Adafsa Farmers Open Day At Al Kuwaitat Station Highlights Research And Field-ready Solutions

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority organised a "Farmers’ Open Day" at the Al Kuwaitat Research Station in Al Ain, aiming to connect scientific research with on-ground farming practices. The event focused on applied research, technology demonstrations, and direct dialogue with farmers to support agricultural sustainability and food security in Abu Dhabi.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club, attended the Open Day and praised the Authority’s work in developing the sector and supporting farmers. Sheikh Ahmed said, "The advanced research projects and innovative solutions we are witnessing today reflect the Authority’s commitment to supporting agricultural sustainability and enhancing food security in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. We value the role of researchers and experts in transferring knowledge to farmers and their dedication to providing practical, field-ready solutions."

The Open Day brought together the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club, 35 farmers, and other sector stakeholders, reflecting strong interest in new technologies and research outcomes. The initiative forms part of the Authority’s programme to transfer applied research from laboratories to fields, while strengthening regular communication between researchers and farm owners across the emirate.

Participants began with a guided tour of the Al Kuwaitat Research Station, where research teams outlined key applied projects and their objectives. Experts explained operating methods, data collection, and practical farming techniques. This tour highlighted how scientific findings are translated into clear steps that farmers can apply on commercial farms and smallholdings.

One section of the tour focused on cut flower cultivation, including gerbera and rose projects designed for local climate conditions. Attendees observed greenhouse operations, environmental control methods, and irrigation systems. Researchers discussed crop care at different growth stages and outlined management practices that can raise product quality and improve use of water and other inputs.

The programme also included a technical workshop on seedling grafting for citrus and mango crops. ADAFSA specialists demonstrated each grafting step, from seedling preparation to joining plant parts and aftercare. Farmers asked detailed questions about tools, timing, and survival rates, and discussed how grafting can increase yields and improve overall seedling health on their own farms.

Attendees were also briefed on the Chlorella project, which studies the production of this algae and its agricultural and environmental applications. Researchers explained how Chlorella can support sustainable farming inputs and soil health. In addition, the team presented research findings on cassava, identifying it as a crop with strong economic potential and good suitability to Abu Dhabi’s environmental conditions, with options for further expansion.

The day ended with an open discussion bringing together farmers, scientists, and technical experts to review sector challenges and possible solutions. Participants examined how applied research could address production constraints and resource pressures. This Open Day fits within the Authority’s broader efforts to encourage agricultural innovation, strengthen scientific research systems, build partnerships with farmers, and support long-term agricultural sustainability and food security in Abu Dhabi.

With inputs from WAM