ADAFSA Celebrates Arab Palm Day And Reaffirms Commitment To Sustainable Agriculture Practices

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is committed to advancing the palm sector in celebration of Arab Palm Day on 15th September. ADAFSA supports sustainable farming practices across the Emirate through various programmes. These initiatives help local farmers improve date quality, adopt eco-friendly pest control, transition to organic farming, and embrace high-yield commercial varieties.

Since early 2024, ADAFSA has conducted extensive pest control operations benefiting over 6.5 million palm trees. Using pheromone and light traps, they captured 344,900 red palm weevils and 148,300 stalk and stem borers across farms in the Emirate. Additionally, targeted treatments were applied to over 2.2 million palm trees against lesser date moths and dust mites.

ADAFSA’s Integrated Palm Pest Management Programme uses cost-effective and environmentally safe methods to manage infestations. The Palm and Date Best Practices Programme guides farmers through pre- and post-harvest operations. These efforts highlight ADAFSA's dedication to preserving the cultural importance of palm trees within the national food security framework.

Field visits to model palm farms are part of ADAFSA's strategy to showcase best agricultural practices. These visits are promoted via social media channels to encourage broader adoption among farmers. Public awareness initiatives include lectures in various majlis across the Emirate and participation in regional and international festivals that elevate the status of the palm sector locally and globally.

ADAFSA is developing specialised programmes for agricultural research to assess palm productivity across the Emirate. These trials study different pollen varieties' impact on date yield and quality, aiming to refine cultivation methods and foster innovation within the sector.

The Authority's agricultural extension teams provide year-round guidance to farm workers on maintaining pheromone and light traps. This ensures their effectiveness in preventing pest outbreaks while aligning farming practices with Abu Dhabi’s vision for sustainable agricultural development.

Expanding Market Opportunities for Dates

Al Foah Company, supported by ADAFSA, has launched alternative trading channels for dates through eZad, a digital platform. This marketplace allows producers to market their dates both locally and internationally via virtual and physical auctions. It provides a vital avenue for Emirati dates to reach global markets, ensuring a sustainable future for the palm sector.

ADAFSA actively participates in local exhibitions and international events dedicated to palm production, offering technical expertise and insights into the sector. The Authority remains focused on enhancing the market value of dates through improved cultivation techniques.

The Authority's commitment extends beyond pest management; it includes promoting sustainable agriculture practices that align with Abu Dhabi's vision for development. By improving cultivation techniques, ADAFSA aims to enhance the market value of dates while supporting local farmers in adopting innovative methods.

With inputs from WAM