-sectors identified for training and technical support
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud is currently in Israel to further discussion and cooperation in the areas of agriculture between Guyana and Israel in a national effort to diversify agricultural production across a number of key sectors. The Agriculture Ministry reported that Minister Persaud met with counterpart Mr. Shalom Simhon in Beit Dagan, and discussed developments in tilapia rearing, greenhouse and drip irrigation industries and fruit and vegetable production.
Israel has built a reputation of achieving high productivity in agriculture over the past 50 years. Although being challenged with scarcity of resources, including the most basic, such as fertile land and water, they have been able to produce with very high yields.
According to Minister Persaud, this can be attributed to their culture as a people of research and innovation. He noted that Guyana and Israel stand to benefit by collaborating with each other in the agriculture sector.
He added Guyana has a tremendous amount of resources to offer, whereas Israel can offer technology and knowledge. A partnership between these two countries will see development and progress being made for mutual benefit.
Further, there are several key areas where the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development might be able to assist Guyana. The following areas of co-operation between Guyana and Israel have been identified:
* Development of Large Scale Agriculture
* Acquisition of Inputs Crop Varieties and
*  Livestock Development Equipment and Technology
The visit, which is aimed at increasing exports, was arranged by USAID/GTIS.