“The issue was efficient use of water. Because land is available. It’s extensive. Water is limited.”

Desert farmers were not able to push water through irrigation canals to their crops, the way farmers have since ancient times. So Mr. Hillel and others gave plants just what they needed, just where they needed it.

“The idea was to apply the water little by little, the way you spoon-feed a baby.”

The method worked so well that soon Mr. Hillel was traveling the world, showing others how to do it.

Experts say drip irrigation is an idea whose importance is growing, as climate change and rising population stretch water supplies in many parts of the world.

“This is where water use, water availability, water-use efficiency and climate change and crop production all converge. And this has been really the essence of my career.”

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