Mansour Bin Zayed Evaluates ADAFSA’s Strategic Plan For Agriculture And Food Safety
His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), reviewed ADAFSA's strategic plan for 2022-2025. The plan aims to enhance the agriculture and food sector's role in Abu Dhabi's GDP. This initiative supports the Abu Dhabi government's vision for a diversified economy and sustainable agricultural development.
During a meeting at Qasr Al Watan, His Highness discussed ADAFSA’s competitive indicators. The food safety index reached 96 percent, while the agricultural sustainability index was 48.8 percent in 2023. The strategic indicator achievement rate was 97.6 percent, with strategic projects completion at 98.7 percent.
ADAFSA’s notable projects included developing an agricultural genome roadmap, creating a sustainable agricultural development plan, and launching the "Zadna Rating" programme for food establishments. Other initiatives were establishing a data platform for agriculture and food security, implementing air monitoring on farms, reducing food loss and waste, developing a smart support model, and establishing the "Collaborating Centre for Camel Diseases," the first of its kind globally.
The agricultural sector contributed AED 14.5 billion to Abu Dhabi’s GDP in 2023. Total agricultural production reached 344,228 tonnes with a farm area of 82,733 square kilometres. Additionally, 1,636,959 forest and fruit trees were planted.
The feed market supported 40,000 breeders across the UAE with sales of AED 1.72 billion since June 2023. The Livestock Auction Platform generated AED 15.5 million from 42 auctions since late 2022.
Environmental Impact
The food loss and waste index in Abu Dhabi was measured for the first time at 162 kilogrammes per person according to an Economist report. Water consumption in agriculture decreased to 1.89 billion cubic metres from 2 billion cubic metres in 2019.
Veterinary services were provided to approximately 566,710 livestock with around 10 million vaccination doses administered in 2023.
Awards and Recognition
Since 2019, ADAFSA has received numerous accolades including the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Award, Golden Bridge Awards, ACMG Award, AgriNext Awards, Stevie International Awards, and Digital Government Award.
The strategic plan aims to establish sustainable food systems by addressing sector challenges and enhancing agricultural sustainability while reducing groundwater use in agriculture.
With inputs from WAM
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