Kannur: The Malayali farmer who is missing in Israel has reportedly sent a message to his family members claiming he was safe and no need to search for him. However, nothing more is known at this moment. The message was received via WhatsApp.

Iritty native Biju Kurian, was part of the 27-member team of farmers sent to the middle eastern country to learn modern farming techniques. As per his team members, Biju did not board the bus on Friday night while going for dinner and has been missing since then.

The bag containing his passport is with him. His visa is valid until May 8. It is learnt that he has a few friends in Israel. A missing person report has been filed with the Israel police after the Indian Embassy was informed about his disappearance.

Meanwhile, agriculture minister P Prasad said that Biju had absconded and he should not have done that. "It puts the government on a spot. We have filed complaints. Will take further action after the team returns on Monday," he said.

Natives say that Biju is not much of a farmer and his main income was from the agency of Life Insurance Corporation.