Report to the ... Zionist Congress and to the Council of the Jewish Agency in ... · 1935-08-01 · 8.1935 · p. Seite 370

Progress is also noticeable in the production of hay under irrigation. Lucerne is not yet taking its appropriate place in the Jewish farm, as the best methods of cultivation, irrigation, etc., have not yet been established. On the other hand the yields of 'clover compare very favourably with those of clover in Egypt, its 'country of origin. The green hay helps the development of the tow-shed and reduces the cost of cattle feeding. 6> Irrigation. The question of gathering the running water and the subterranean springs for purposes of irrigation engaged our attention for many years. It is fully realised that without an adequate supply of water our settlements have no prospects of existence, and that only with the help of water can our colonisation be organised on more intensive lines and thus contribute towards the self-sufficiency of the country without being dependent on foreign imports. In the citrus area in Tudea, which twenty-five years ago was still small, primitive methods of irrigation were then used. In most of the places it was customary to bring the water in barrels from a well or running springs. The quantity of cattle in the colonies was still small, and the grain fields supplied all the food required by the farmers. The vegetable market was limited, and the Germans and Arabs provided these needs from their fields un.cler extensive cultivation. However, with the growth of the population and its needs, the fall in grain prices after the occupation, the drought that recurred for several years in succession and impoverished the farmers, the need grew for new methods of cultivation which could mitigate to some extent the distress resulting from natural misfortunes. Since it was decided to increase the number of settlements in the Jordan valley, which necessitated the contraction of the area of Degania A, the settlers of which cultivated at that time all the Jewish National Fund land in the Jordan valley, a stimulus was given to exploit the waters of the Jordan to a large extent. Simultaneously with the acquisition of the eastern part of the valley of Esdraelon with its running waters by the Jewish National Fund, and with the drawing up of plans for its drainage by regulating the course of its running rivers, schemes were also evolved for the exploitation of its waters for irrigation purposes. The problem of irrigation was comparatively easy in places possessing running springs. Although mistakes were made at first, both through lack of experience and means, these were afterwards rectified. Difficulties arose particularly in places where there were no visible springs, and subterranean diggings and borings had to be undertaken for water prospecting purposes. The Jewish National Fund spent much labour in prospecting for drinking water for the settlers irr the western valley of Esdraelon (the Afuleh and Kishon blocks). Superficial boring operations were carried out in many settlements, and though water in small quantities was found, the courses soon dried up and the settlers suffered great disappoint- 37°