ISRAEL is willing to offer up to 150 places annually for Fijians in its agricultural internship program, as it seeks to strengthen cooperation with Fiji in food security and modern farming.
Head of Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), Ambassador Eynat Shlein, said the program provided practical agricultural experience and training for students who could apply their skills upon returning to Fiji.
She said 14 Fijians participated in the program last year, with more joining this year, and Israel hoped to increase Fiji’s participation in the next intake.
The 11-month program has operated since 1994 and receives up to 4000 students annually from about 30 developing countries.
Participants must be agricultural students at university or college in their third or fourth year, or recent graduates, aged between 20 and 32.
“They work five days a week on farms, where they gain practical experience across the agricultural production cycle, from land preparation and planting to harvesting, processing and marketing.
“Participants also undertake academic studies, completing at least eight hours of study weekly, with at least 240 hours of academic learning during the program.”
Ms Shlein said the initiative was designed to help participants develop the skills and experience needed to establish farms and contribute to their countries’ food security and economic development.
She said Israel was working with Fiji’s Ministry of Agriculture to encourage more local students to apply.
Discussions had also covered water harvesting, contaminated water treatment, modern farming techniques and opportunities to improve dairy production.
“Agriculture is a priority because stronger domestic production could improve food security, diversify the economy and create opportunities for exports.”
She said Israel was also exploring wider cooperation with Fiji in areas including climate change adaptation, water management and education.
