Strategic alliance: Dominican Republic and Israel promote agricultural modernization and efficient water use
The Executive Directorate of National Irrigation Technification (TNR) received an official visit from the new Israeli ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Oren Bar El. The main objective of this meeting was to strengthen bilateral cooperation ties and foster the exchange of advanced knowledge in water management and the development of the national agricultural sector.
Claudio Caamaño Vélez, director of the TNR, led the presentation of the progress in the transformation of the national irrigation system, highlighting key projects that seek to modernize the country’s water infrastructure and raise productivity standards in the field.
Agricultural sector authorities present
The meeting featured a prominent representation of the Dominican authorities in charge of the management of natural and water resources, including:
- Olmedo Caba, director of INDRHI.
- Davis Aracena, vice minister of Soils and Waters of the Ministry of Environment.
- Rosa Almonte, director of Water.
- Gilberto Reynoso, director of the Water Cabinet.
- Osmar Benítez, president of the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD).
- Luis Sánchez Falette, president of Conaleche.
- Luis Pérez Cuevas, advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture.
Israeli technology applied to agricultural production
Accompanying the ambassador, water resources expert Emilia Kuschnir gave a specialized lecture for TNR collaborators. During her presentation, Kuschnir emphasized that the main challenge for the country does not lie exclusively in the construction of new infrastructure, but in the reduction of operational losses in current systems.
We often think that the solution is to have more water, when in reality the challenge consists of using what we already have better. Water efficiency not only means savings, but also a reduction in production risk.
Emilia Kuschnir, water resources expert.
The expert pointed out that, since 82% of water consumption in the Dominican Republic is destined for agriculture, optimizing this use is vital. Kuschnir highlighted the advantages of drip irrigation, whose efficiency can exceed 90%, by delivering the resource directly to the roots of the crops.
The day concluded with the commitment to integrate technical criteria, planning, and constant training for local producers, thus guaranteeing sustainable management that ensures the competitiveness of the agricultural sector in the face of climate challenges.
