KKL-JNF Desert Agriculture

There is no better way to show KKL-JNF's impact on the land of Israel than through these photographs. They are the most articulate expressions of KKL-JNF's stewardship and development activities throughout the years, befitting the country and all its people.

*Use of the photos are for KKL-JNF productions/purposes only and requires giving credit to the photographer and KKL Photo Archive, Jerusalem. Any other use can lead to legal action.

Farming in the central Arava

1968. A "packing house" at Hatseva in the central Arava. In 1968 Hatseva became a civilian moshav after three years as a NAHAL outpost. (David Hirshfeld)

2012. Mitspe Bet Eshel after KKKL-JNF restored it. The site is one of the attractions at Be'er Sheva River Park. (Albatross Aerial Photography Ltd.)

State of the art agricultural technology

1965. A tomato field at En Yahav. En Yahav became a civilian settlement in 1962. (David Hershfeld)

2010. The same tomato field today. The Arava greenhouses produce record yields of over 5 tons of tomatoes per acre. (Pnina Livny)

Land of the dates

1964. The NAHAL outpost at Kibbutz Yotvata became civilian in 1957. Dates were the first farming branch at the kibbutz. (Yehuda Hanegbi)

2012. Date farming has developed in the southern Arava thanks to the date palm’s adaptation to heat and brackish water. Many date plantations are irrigated with recycled water stored in reservoirs built by KKL-JNF. (KKL-JNF photographers)

The awakening desert

1969. Preparation for sowing seeds in the Negev. Sowing with sweat and tears in the hope of reaping with joy. (Israel Sinai)

2010. Olive groves in the Negev. The Negev Agricultural R&D stations turn the challenges of the desert climate to the advantage of farmers. The Negev's produce, fruit, olives and even ornamental fish that grow in brackish water, are cultivated for export. (Yaacov Shkolnik)