Israel begins planting potatoes in the Gaza Strip despite the insecurity situation in the area

Despite the security situation in Israel, and to allow the continuation of agricultural work, as well as to prevent future damage to surrounding farmers, potato planting began yesterday in the fields of Lev HaNegev, near Kibbutz Urim. The farmers received a visit from instructors from the Training and Vocation Service (SHAM) of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sowing Council. The Ministry of Agriculture notes that at this stage, according to military instructions, there is no agricultural activity within 0 to 7 kilometers of the border, and the Ministry is helping farmers locate alternative areas for planting to ensure the functional continuity of the supply of fresh agricultural products. According to data from the Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, around Gaza (Eshkol, Shaar Hanegev, Negev fields and the Ashkelon coast) there are around 6,000 hectares of potato fields, of the approximately 15,000 hectares designated for potato cultivation throughout the country. That is, around ...