A high-tech dairy farm on the West Bank that electronically monitors the health of its livestock is bringing together Israeli and Palestinian farmers. It's hoped that this unique dairy project will help to promote harmony in the conflict-ridden region.

These cows are playing a part in improving relations between Israelis and Palestinians. Not only are they monitored by a high-tech sensor that knows each cow's specific details, but the cutting-edge system at this West Bank farm is the end result of an Israeli-Palestinian business relationship that seeks to help Palestinian farmers - and eventually Palestinian consumers.

The Afifarm's computerized system developed in Kibbutz Afikim guides the Hebron dairy farmers on how to take advantage of all portions of milk with the help of a computerized system, which collects information about animal behavior and analyses the data in a PC program. It then provides important online information about the cows to allow the dairy manager to treat his livestock and manage his farm in a more productive way.

Dr.Ismail al-Jebrini, owner of Al-Jebrini Dairy Products Factory, said, "This system transmits the information about the quantity of the milk, the dairy quantity. It gives you all the data about if she is in need of medication, or if she is in need of insemination or if she is in need of vitamins."

The business relationship between the Al-Jebrini farm and Kibbutz Afikim in Israel is a rare case of an Israeli-Palestinian business venture. The Palestinians are working to create sound institutions and loosen ties of dependence on Israel. Many believe common business interests will make it easier to accomplish peace.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)