Jos, Nigeria – The Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman, has called on Nigeria to embrace drip irrigation technology to boost agricultural productivity and cut farming costs.
During a courtesy visit to Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang at the Old Government House in Rayfield, Jos, Freeman emphasized the need for water-efficient farming methods to enhance food security.
Highlighting Israel’s success with the technology, he noted that the country now uses just 5,000 liters of water for rice production, a drastic reduction from the previous 600,000 liters required. This, he said, showcases the transformative potential of drip irrigation.
Strengthening Agriculture, Health, and Security
Freeman expressed Israel’s readiness to collaborate with Plateau State to unlock its agricultural potential and combat poverty. He also stressed the importance of human capital development, pointing to Israel’s investment in workforce training, which has contributed to a GDP growth of over 45%.
Beyond agriculture, the ambassador identified health and security as key sectors for partnership, noting that investments in these areas could drive job creation and economic growth in Nigeria.
A Vision for Modernization
Governor Mutfwang welcomed the proposed partnership, describing it as a crucial step in modernizing Plateau’s agricultural sector. He also revealed plans to establish a medical faculty at Plateau State University (PLASU) and sought Israel’s support in turning the state into a hub for medical tourism.
With Israel’s expertise in agriculture and healthcare, the collaboration could position Plateau as a model for sustainable development in Nigeria, setting a precedent for other states to follow.
