Local experts have suggested provinces in the Mekong Delta region consider applying Israel’s agricultural production models and technologies to create farming breakthroughs in the biggest rice producing region of Vietnam.

The experts made the proposal after Matan Nemenoff, general director of ORCA Group Asia, presented how Israel has used modern agricultural production technologies to improve productivity at a conference on Israeli innovations for agriculture in Can Tho City on Tuesday.

Nemenoff said increasing agricultural productivity by applying new models and technologies plays a vital role in guaranteeing national food security and boosting exports.

Despite a small area, Israel has still emerged as a major exporter of farm produce as the country has adopted new technologies and models, effective management and close cooperation between the government, businesses and farmers, Nemenoff said.

One of the effective agricultural models is Moshav, which encourages farmers in a same region to join forces to produce various products, including food, vegetables and livestock. Facilities are set up in the area to assist farmers in packaging, storing, quality control and product distribution.

With deserts covering 60% of Israel’s area, the country has developed and applied drip-irrigation technology to its agricultural production to save water but still increase crop yields.

Some local experts at the conference proposed localities in the Mekong Delta consider the application of such technology and agricultural production model of Israel to farming in the region.

Nguyen The Ha from Bui Van Ngo Industrial & Agricultural Machinery Co. Ltd. said the provinces need to adopt the model and technology to improve their output.

However, Do Van Xe, vice rector of Can Tho University, noted that the application should be made flexibly and selectively due to weather and land differences between Israel and Vietnam.

SGT/VNN