Dominican Republic and Israel strengthen cooperation on water and irrigation technology
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic and Israel are strengthening cooperation in water management and agricultural irrigation, with a focus on technology, efficiency and sustainable use of water resources.
The Executive Directorate of National Irrigation Technology (TNR) received Israel’s newly appointed ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Oren Bar-El, during a meeting where officials presented the country’s efforts to modernize irrigation systems and improve agricultural productivity.
TNR Director Claudio Caamaño Vélez outlined the institution’s transformation initiatives, including projects aimed at optimizing water use and upgrading irrigation infrastructure. The meeting brought together representatives from INDRHI, the Ministries of Environment and Agriculture, the Water Cabinet, the Dominican Agribusiness Board (JAD) and Conaleche.
The Israeli delegation also included water resources specialist Emilia Kuschnir, who shared experiences and technologies for more sustainable agricultural water management.
During a specialized presentation to TNR staff, Kuschnir emphasized that improving water efficiency is key to strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of Dominican agriculture. She noted that increasing water availability does not depend solely on building new infrastructure, but also on reducing losses within existing irrigation systems.
According to the expert, agriculture accounts for approximately 82% of water use in the Dominican Republic. She argued that more efficient management could free up water for other strategic needs while helping the country better withstand periods of drought.
Kuschnir identified leaks in irrigation canals, inadequate application methods and poorly planned irrigation schedules as major sources of water loss. She stressed that irrigation decisions should consider climate conditions, soil characteristics and the development stage of crops.
She also highlighted the potential of modern systems such as drip irrigation, whose efficiency can exceed 90% by delivering a larger proportion of water directly to plant roots.
The specialist clarified that modernizing irrigation does not necessarily require replacing existing infrastructure entirely. Better planning, land leveling, improved system management and producer training can significantly increase efficiency.
The meeting concluded with a call to continue exchanging knowledge and promoting technological solutions that strengthen water conservation and support a more productive and sustainable Dominican agricultural sector.
