2018年CRI Chinese students impressed by Israel's agricultural achievements

A number of Chinese students studying in Israel say they're impressed by the progress being made in that country's agricultural sector 1.

The praise follows a trip to an agricultural research center located in a desert in southern Israel.

The agricultural research center, located in the Negev Desert, has played host to a number of Chinese students studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Surrounded by green olive trees, the agricultural center uses tarps to protect the various agricultural products grown at the facility from excessive sunlight and rainfall.

Various vegetables such as cucumbers and eggplants, as well as other vegetables are also being grown inside a greenhouse at the center.

Wu Xiaoyan, a student who's studying the Hebrew language at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says she's amazed by how many vegetables can be successfully grown in a desert.

"We took a look and sampled some of the vegetables they planted in the desert. I think it's incredible to see that the Israeli people have managed to turn the desert into an oasis 2, even though water is scarce. As long as you are curious, creative, and willing to explore, you can perform a miracle and even benefit the world," says Wu.

One of the highlights is the use of biology, rather than chemistry, to control pests preying 3 on the vegetables.

This involves releasing the pests' natural enemies, often a different form of insect.

Jiang Nan, also a Chinese student studying at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, says the system is impressive in its simplicity 4.

"I'm really impressed by the biological methods used to cope with pests. Using biological methods rather than pesticides 5 can ensure that the corps 6 they plant are secure, organic and healthy," says Jiang.

Special bees from South Africa which are able to survive in desert conditions have also been introduced as pollinators for the plants.

Tour organizer Matanya Arad says they enjoy being able to take different groups through their facility, suggesting it can help shore up China-Israel ties.

"We really want that Chinese students will know about Israel, as China is a big country in the world, and we want to spread the truth about Israel throughout China, so we can get the next generation of businessmen, politicians or diplomats 7 (from China) to know the real facts about Israel, about how Israeli people live in the world, about how Israel has contributed to the world in agriculture, in re-use of water. Those are facts that more people should know about," says Arad.

Additional visits and seminars involving more Chinese students are being planned for the future.