MOCCAE Launches Initiative To Strengthen Agricultural Production And Food Security In UAE

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has introduced a programme to boost agricultural advisory services in the UAE. This initiative aims to enhance agricultural production and strengthen national food security. The programme focuses on improving the skills and professional capacities of agricultural extension agents, enabling them to transfer technology and share modern farming techniques effectively.

The programme includes specialised training courses covering soil and irrigation, crop and vegetable production, fruit production, pest prevention and control, beekeeping, and honey production. These courses are designed to enhance the technical skills of agricultural extension agents through lectures, workshops, and field courses. The practical sessions aim to develop communication skills and build confidence among the agents.

Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, stated: "The agricultural extension efficiency improvement programme comes as part of our ongoing commitment to support the sustainability of national farms in the UAE aimed at reinforcing and growing the sector in the future. The programme aims to develop a specialised path for all agricultural extension agents covering the main fields in the sector. Through this, we seek to build capacity and competency of agricultural extension, which in turn, would contribute to enhancing local agricultural production and support the transformation of national food systems into more sustainable systems."

The Ministry's efforts also include an annual plan for agricultural guidance. This plan monitors and supports farmers in improving crop production while protecting crops from pests. It establishes a timetable for service operations related to trees and cultivation seasons for each crop. The focus is on date palm crops, fruits, vegetables, fodder, bees, and honey production.

The plan involves operations such as irrigation, fertilisation, and land reclamation. It also includes preparing technical reports based on advisory visits to farms. These reports analyse data, provide recommendations, document results, and ensure performance improvement to meet farmers' needs.

Collaboration with Experts

Al Hammadi highlighted that the programme will be implemented in collaboration with partners, research centres, and global experts. This collaboration aims to enhance communication between extension agents and farmers through periodic farm visits. Regular meetings with farmers will address challenges they face while setting precise standards for improving agricultural guidance programmes.

The Ministry's goal is to ensure better crop yields by enhancing communication between extension agents and farmers. This approach aims to improve the quality and efficiency of agricultural guidance programmes while increasing farmers' satisfaction.

This comprehensive initiative by MOCCAE underscores its commitment to developing sustainable national farms in the UAE. By focusing on capacity building for agricultural extension agents and fostering better communication with farmers, it aims to transform national food systems into more sustainable models.

With inputs from WAM