I grew up in Yotvata, deep in Israel’s southern desert. 

In wide, pastoral Fields, where Life was measured not by calendars but by harvests. Spring carried with it the sharp, earthy smell of onions from the packing shed. Later in the year came the date harvest. When I was a child, there were even lettuce fields, and decades earlier, cantaloupes.

These cycles shaped my childhood: fields, cows, horses, and long desert horizons. Agriculture in Yotvata was practical, poetic, and deeply Israeli.

Today, though, Yotvata and the Southern Arava are more than onions, dates, and dairy (Yotvata dairy produces some 300,000 liters of milk per day). They’ve become a testing ground for some of the most advanced agricultural technologies in the world. What began as survival farming in the desert has grown into a hub of experimentation and innovation –  blending kibbutz tradition with cutting-edge science.

Southern Arava R&D (מו״פ ערבה דרומית), founded in 1964 as the Arava Experimental Station, has been central to this transformation. The center hosts research in soil and water sciences, vegetables, flowers, and plant protection. Its soil, water, and plant testing labs work hand in hand with local farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture, ensuring research doesn’t just stay in the lab but reaches the fields.

Technologies here range from smart irrigation systems (modern drip irrigation was famously invented in Israel) to AI-driven crop analysis, robotics, and drones – all designed to answer the desert’s toughest questions: how to grow more with less water, in harsher climates, with greater efficiency.

To understand how this transformation looks from the inside, I spoke with Hanan Shoshan, the general manager of Kibbutz Yotvata and a leader in the Southern Arava’s agricultural innovation. Coincidentally, he is also my father. Here’s part of our conversation:

So let’s jump in. What new technologies are you using to tackle the challenges of farming in the desert?

We’ve invested in a company working in precision agriculture. The idea is simple but brilliant: a drone flies over the crops, takes high-resolution images, and uploads them to the cloud. Using AI, the system analyzes the data and tells the farmer exactly where there’s a disease or pest – and even what kind it is. It’s a huge step forward because it’s both environmentally friendly and efficient. It saves large amounts of pesticides, and it’s cost-effective since farmers don’t need an agronomist walking through every single plot.

So you really have drones flying over the fields like something from the future?

Yes, basically. The drone has a “docking station” where it charges and takes off automatically at a set time. It scans the fields and sends back the analysis. What makes it even more powerful is the complementary technology: another drone that can spray. Instead of treating an entire field, it hovers over the exact affected spot and applies one precise spray. That means early detection and highly targeted treatment.

This isn’t just theory – it’s being used worldwide. Recently, the drone company signed a major contract with PepsiCo, which grows vast amounts of sugarcane and other crops. For them, this technology saves millions.

What else excites you at the moment?

One of the most interesting fields we’re testing now is called agro-voltaics. It’s about dual use of the land: growing crops while also producing solar energy. Agricultural land is shrinking everywhere, so we need creative solutions. We’re installing solar panels that generate clean electricity, and beneath them we’re growing crops. The research is about understanding how shade affects plants. Does reduced sunlight help or harm them? Does shade save water? These are the questions we’re exploring. It’s a fascinating blend of green energy and agriculture.

What do you think farming here will look like in 20 years?

In 20 years – and really, it’s already starting – technology will be involved from the very first stage of seed development. We’ll have genetic improvements that make seeds resistant to extreme conditions like salinity and heat. That means crops will thrive even in harsh climates like ours. 

Technology won’t just help at the seed stage; it will follow every step of cultivation. AI will monitor crops, detect pests early, and treat them with precision. That means fewer chemicals, better efficiency, and healthier plants. Artificial intelligence will become an essential tool for every farmer.

How will genetics and AI change yields and farmers’ livelihoods?

We’re already seeing dramatic progress in genetics that significantly increases yields. This means that even on smaller plots, we can grow far more. It boosts farmers’ income, improves the quality of fruits and vegetables, and strengthens food security worldwide.

Better genetics isn’t just about quantity – it’s about quality. Combined with AI, these innovations will transform how we grow food: higher yields, better taste, more resilience, and ultimately, a stronger agricultural economy.

I would like to give special thanks to the Southern Arava Research and Development Center for their pioneering work, insights, and for shaping our desert into an oasis. And to my amazing father, Hanan Shoshan, for sharing his time, knowledge, and vision of agriculture in the desert – and, of course, for being the best dad in the world.