UAE Ministry Of Climate Change Explores National Agriculture Centre Objectives With Local Farmers

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) recently held a virtual meeting to introduce the 'National Agriculture Centre' as part of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme. This initiative aims to boost local agricultural production and enhance sustainable food security in the UAE. The meeting brought together numerous UAE farmers to discuss the Centre's role in supporting agricultural efforts nationwide.

The 'National Agriculture Centre' was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. It is designed to support the UAE's agricultural development strategies, foster partnerships with the private sector, and increase green spaces across the country. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, led the meeting alongside ministry officials and Emirati farmers.

Dr. Al Hammadi highlighted that the Centre serves as a cornerstone for addressing agricultural challenges in the UAE. It provides comprehensive support to national farmers and farms through innovative platforms. "The Centre aims to support the growth of local agricultural production and improve its quality and competitiveness through advanced initiatives and programmes tailored to the sector," he stated.

The Centre has set ambitious goals, including increasing productive farms by 20%, boosting organic farming by 25%, achieving 30% adoption of climate-smart farming practices, and reducing agricultural waste by 50%. These objectives are part of a broader effort to meet current and future demands for agricultural products in the UAE.

To achieve these goals, the Centre offers grants and funding for innovative agricultural projects. It also develops initiatives that promote innovation, technology adoption, technical solutions, and modern farming methods. Dr. Al Hammadi emphasised that promoting organic farming is a key focus area for the Centre.

The Centre will provide empowerment initiatives and specialised training programmes for farmers. Additionally, it will offer agricultural guidance and technical advisory services to help farmers implement projects effectively and market their products successfully.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Dr. Al Hammadi explained that applied research and studies would be promoted to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality in agriculture. The Centre plans to establish strategic partnerships with government entities and private sectors like food, hospitality, and restaurants to encourage consumption of locally produced goods.

The establishment of investment programmes with sustainable returns is another priority for boosting local production. A comprehensive database will be managed to ensure effective information exchange related to its specialisation areas.

Enhancing Competitiveness of Local Products

The meeting facilitated discussions on how national farmers can leverage initiatives from the 'National Agriculture Centre'. Participants expressed confidence that these efforts would create new opportunities by raising awareness about local products' competitiveness in markets.

Farmers underscored their readiness to adopt modern systems while leveraging various incentive programmes offered by the Centre. They believe these measures will significantly enhance their productivity levels within competitive markets.

With inputs from WAM