Israeli farmers are warning of potentially severe crop losses and disruptions to the country’s food supply after most of Israel’s desalination facilities were forced to shut down due to unusually high levels of seawater turbidity.
The facilities initially shut down Monday and briefly resumed operations overnight, but most were closed again after turbidity levels rose. Authorities have ordered reductions in agricultural irrigation, public landscaping and other nonessential water usage while prioritizing regular household supplies.
Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen said the natural phenomenon responsible for the conditions has not been seen in Israel in approximately 20 years. Authorities are increasing pumping from wells and the Kinneret and have approved the activation of two additional desalination facilities to help maintain supplies.
Agriculture officials say the most serious concerns are in southern Israel, particularly Ramat Hanegev and the Nitzana region, where vegetables, greenhouses and young seedlings depend on continuous irrigation and in some cases have no alternative water source.
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry Director-General Oren Lavi warned that even relatively short interruptions can cause irreversible damage to sensitive crops. Officials are working with the Water Authority and Mekorot to prioritize farms where crops and livestock face an immediate threat.
Ramat Hanegev Regional Council head Eran Doron warned that approximately 20,000 dunams of vegetable crops in the Nitzana region are at immediate risk, potentially threatening farmers’ livelihoods as well as the availability and price of fresh produce.
The Agriculture Ministry warned that if the desalination shutdown continues, it could disrupt the production and supply of fresh produce ahead of the High Holy Days.
The Israel Farmers Federation is demanding immediate government intervention and a compensation framework, warning that hundreds of farms could suffer severe and irreversible losses.
Officials stressed that household drinking water remains the top priority and continues to be supplied, while localized disruptions are being addressed.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
