UAE Launches Program to Boost Agricultural Production, Strengthen Food Security

UAE Launches Program to Boost Agricultural Advisory Services

The UAE has taken a major step towards bolstering agricultural production and enhancing national food security with the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) launching a comprehensive program aimed at improving agricultural advisory services, known as agricultural extension. This initiative is integral to the UAE’s strategic vision to achieve food sustainability and self-sufficiency, highlighting the country’s commitment to advancing its agricultural sector through innovation and education.

Enhancing Agricultural Skills and Communication

The program is designed to significantly enhance the skills of agricultural extension agents and guiding staff by focusing on their professional development. Improving communication skills is a key focus, enabling these agents to effectively transfer technology and share modern farming techniques with local farmers, essential for increasing agricultural productivity and sustainability across the nation.

Specialized training courses form the core of the program, addressing critical areas of agricultural expertise. These courses cover essential topics such as soil and irrigation management, crop and vegetable production, fruit production, pest prevention and control, and beekeeping and honey production. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that extension agents are well-versed in the latest methodologies and practices, promoting biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices.

Practical Workshops and Field Courses

Beyond theoretical lectures, the program offers practical workshops designed to enhance the technical skills and competencies of agricultural extension agents. These hands-on field courses provide invaluable opportunities for participants to apply their theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, refining their communication skills and building the confidence necessary to effectively advise and support farmers.

Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “The agricultural extension efficiency improvement program is a testament to our ongoing commitment to supporting the sustainability of national farms in the UAE. Our goal is to reinforce and grow the agricultural sector for the future. By developing a specialized path for all agricultural extension agents, we aim to cover the main fields in the sector comprehensively.”

Transforming National Food Systems

Dr. Al Hammadi further explained, “Through this program, we seek to build the capacity and competency of agricultural extension, which in turn, will contribute to enhancing local agricultural production. It supports the transformation of national food systems into more sustainable systems, aligning with the UAE’s broader environmental and economic goals.”

The agricultural extension efficiency improvement program will be implemented in collaboration with partners, research centers, and global experts, ensuring that it benefits from the latest global agricultural knowledge and practices and positions the UAE at the forefront of innovative agricultural development.

Annual Plan for Agricultural Guidance

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is also committed to developing an annual plan for agricultural guidance to monitor and support farmers in enhancing crop production while protecting crops from pests. This initiative involves a meticulously crafted timetable for service operations related to various crops and cultivation seasons, focusing on key agricultural products such as date palms, fruits, vegetables, fodder, and honey production. The strategic emphasis ensures that the most vital components of the UAE’s agricultural output receive the attention and resources needed for optimal growth and productivity.

In addition to addressing crop-specific needs, the plan covers crucial operations related to irrigation, fertilization, and land reclamation, which are essential for maintaining soil health and maximizing crop yields, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Data-Driven Approach to Agricultural Support

The annual plan involves the preparation and development of technical reports and advisory visit summaries to farms. These reports include detailed data analysis, providing actionable recommendations and documenting results. This systematic approach ensures continuous performance improvement and effectively meets the needs of farmers. By leveraging data and analytics, the Ministry can fine-tune its strategies and interventions, leading to more targeted and effective support for the agricultural sector.

Dr. Al Hammadi further stated that the Ministry, through its annual plan for agricultural guidance, aims to enhance communication between extension agents and farmers. By preparing a schedule for periodic farm visits and launching a plan for regular meetings with farmers, the Ministry seeks to proactively address the challenges farmers face. This collaborative and transparent approach ensures that extension agents and farmers work together to achieve better crop yields and enhance agricultural sustainability.

Empowering Farmers and Enhancing Satisfaction

Establishing precise standards and objectives to improve the quality and efficiency of agricultural guidance programs aims to increase farmer satisfaction and foster a more resilient agricultural sector in the UAE. These efforts are designed to empower farmers, equipping them with the knowledge, tools, and support needed to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive agricultural landscape.

Through this ambitious program, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment is paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for agriculture in the UAE. By investing in the development of agricultural extension agents and fostering collaboration with global experts, the UAE is poised to lead the way in innovative agricultural practices, ensuring food security and resilience for generations to come.