ADAFSA To Highlight Agricultural Services And Initiatives At Al Dhafra Date Festival

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is set to join the fourth Al Dhafra Date Festival and Auction. This event, organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, will take place from October 17-26 in Madinat Zayed, Al Dhafra Region. ADAFSA aims to enhance public understanding of its services for farmers and livestock breeders while emphasising its support for agriculture, especially palm cultivation and date production.

ADAFSA will have a pavilion at the festival to display its projects and services. It plans to distribute educational materials and conduct activities like virtual workshops on good agricultural practices (GAPs) for palm trees and dates. These efforts aim to educate the community about palm tree care and promote best practices in agriculture.

The authority will also highlight the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award. This initiative encourages farmers and livestock breeders to participate, showcasing their achievements. Additionally, ADAFSA will introduce new economic activities available on Abu Dhabi farms, focusing on those suitable for the Al Dhafra region.

Farm owners who have embraced these new initiatives will share their experiences with festival attendees. This exchange of knowledge aims to inspire others in the agricultural community. ADAFSA's participation underscores the UAE leadership’s dedication to advancing agriculture and preserving Emirati heritage.

Furthermore, ADAFSA will present the Livestock Holding Index at the festival. This tool supports animal production development by monitoring inputs and outputs across livestock farms. It is part of ADAFSA's broader effort to enhance agricultural productivity in the region.

Focus on Local Varieties

ADAFSA will also raise awareness about local date varieties during the festival. Visitors will learn about major agricultural pests affecting palm trees and methods for prevention. This educational effort aims to protect local agriculture from potential threats.

The festival reflects the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose legacy continues to guide efforts in preserving agricultural heritage, particularly regarding palm trees. ADAFSA's involvement highlights its commitment to this vision by supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

This national event serves as a platform for ADAFSA to showcase its contributions to agriculture in Abu Dhabi. By participating, ADAFSA reinforces its role in promoting sustainable farming practices and supporting local farmers and breeders.

With inputs from WAM