Plant The Emirates Programme Aims To Strengthen Sustainable Food Security For UAE Farmers

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment, attended a UAE Farmers Council meeting in Ras Al Khaimah. This gathering aimed to support local farmers in enhancing agricultural projects. Discussions focused on increasing crop productivity and addressing farmers' needs, aligning with the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme's goals to develop a climate-smart agricultural sector for sustainable national food security.

The meeting took place at farmer Mohammed Al Marzouqi's farm and coincided with the launch of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme and the National Agriculture Centre by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. These initiatives aim to support UAE's agricultural strategies, enhance food security, foster private sector partnerships, expand green areas nationwide, and ensure agriculture's long-term sustainability.

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stated, "The launch of the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme and other initiatives under its umbrella, including the National Agricultural Centre, underscore the UAE's commitment to transforming our support for national farmers. We are deploying training programmes and projects that leverage advanced agricultural technologies to equip our farmers. We are steadfast in our commitment to foster plans and strategies that provide comprehensive support to our farmers, enhance their capabilities and ensure active community participation in strengthening our agriculture and food sector."

The Council discussed strategies to enhance support for farmers who outlined their needs. These included assistance with building sustainable agricultural systems, greater access to training in using modern agricultural practices and pest control, and improved communication with the Ministry and local authorities.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) held a "Next Generation of Farmers" meeting as part of its efforts to engage with farmers nationwide. The event brought together young Emirati farmers to highlight the UAE’s vision of promoting modern, sustainable agricultural solutions. It also sought to identify young farmers' needs, empower them to expand their projects, and enable them to enhance UAE’s sustainable food security.

This meeting is part of Customer Councils—a platform designed for communication between customers and the UAE government. It facilitates engagement with stakeholders by listening to suggestions, fostering a participatory environment between government entities and stakeholders while encouraging idea exchange for improved service standards.

Modern Technologies in Agriculture

During a meeting at MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai, Dr. Amna Al Dahak emphasised that young farmers represent future sustainable food security in UAE. She said: "The UAE launched the 'Plant the Emirates' National Programme about two months ago along with several initiatives including the National Agriculture Centre. The Centre is dedicated to offering comprehensive support through training and launching sustainable agricultural projects."

Dr. Amna noted that adopting modern climate-smart technologies offers significant advantages like addressing water scarcity challenges using closed farming systems that operate without soil reducing water consumption by up to 90 percent.

Collaborative Efforts for Sustainability

The "Next Generation of Farmers" meeting covered topics such as modern agricultural technologies contributing towards food security environmental protection sustainability natural resources legislation regulations encouraging adoption expansion modern farming solutions collaboration international organisations private sector developing strengthening support farms based systems.

The meetings were attended by high-ranking officials from MOCCAE including Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi Under-Secretary; Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi Assistant Under-Secretary Food Diversity Sector; Marwan Abdullah Al Zaabi Assistant Under-Secretary Regions Sector; Amal Abdulrahim Assistant Under-Secretary Support Services Sector alongside several Ras Al Khaimah youth farmers.

With inputs from WAM