August 4, 2023
5 mins read

UAE Ministry explores ways to boost national food security

During the forum, the Ministry’s efforts to support the agricultural sector were reviewed, both legislatively and in terms of the initiatives that have been undertaken….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has hosted the “Farmers’ Forum” at the Al Dhaid Cultural Center in the Emirate of Sharjah.

The forum included a dialogue session with farmers that focused on strengthening the marketing of local agricultural products and striving towards food security and sustainability in the UAE. This was part of the Ministry’s ongoing initiatives and efforts to empower the national agricultural sector and support local farmers.

The event was attended by Mohammed Mousa Al Ameeri, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector, Sheikha Al Ali, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector, and a number of department and region directors and heads of departments in the Ministry.

A large number of farmers from various regions of the country also participated, in addition to representatives of the Ministry’s partners from the Emirates Development Bank, Manbat (Arada).

The forum sought to closely understand farmers’ challenges, discuss the best ways solutions, and highlight developments related to opening markets and sales outlets to receive national agricultural products.

Al Ameeri said: “The UAE places utmost importance on enhancing national food security on a sustainable basis. This is evident in the efforts and projects over the past years to strengthen the application of modern agricultural technology across the entire food value chain. The recent announcement of the “COP28 Food Systems and Agriculture Programme” further represents our nation’s leadership in this field and the integration of food sustainability with efforts to combat climate change.”

He affirmed that the UAE focuses on enhancing the country’s food and agriculture systems in line with advanced modern technologies to increase food production, conserve natural resources from waste, and reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.

He emphasieed the importance of the Farmers’ Forum in enhancing constructive cooperation between various stakeholders and the initiatives launched by the Ministry to support the agricultural sector. These include the initiative to enhance the “sustainability of national farms”, research into finding new mechanisms and partnerships, and linking major supply companies with national farms through cooperation with various stakeholders. This includes both the government and the private sector in the country, which contributes to increasing purchases of national farm products and improving the income of Emirati farms, in addition to expanding local production through guaranteed purchase agreements.

He continued: “The Ministry is striving hard to enhance food security and sustainability in the UAE and working to overcome the challenges farmers face in marketing their products. This forum facilitated communication between governmental and private sector entities in the UAE to buy 50 percent of their products from local sources by the end of 2023. Our goal is to raise this target to reach 70 percent by the end of 2025, and 100 percent by 2030.”

During the forum, the Ministry’s efforts to support the agricultural sector were reviewed, both legislatively and in terms of the initiatives that have been undertaken. The farmers were introduced to the initiative (Enhancing the Sustainability of National Farms), which aims to create a sustainable market for local agricultural and food products, in addition to discussing financial solutions, agricultural technology, and enhancing cooperation with the Emirates Development Bank. The forum also provided updates on initiatives to support farmers and market their products and ways to enhance modern sustainable farming systems for healthy, safe, and accessible food for all.

The forum also reviewed the role of “Manbat” in supporting farmers through direct contracts for marketing and selling agricultural products and developing the agricultural production sector through holding training workshops and qualifying small farms to transform into commercial farms. Additionally, an agrarian programme was prepared to enhance the efficiency of local production.

Sustainability of Agri Production

During the forum, the Emirates Development Bank presented an overview of the financing programs offered to farmers to support the sustainability of agricultural production. This includes allocating a financial portfolio worth AED100 million to finance local farms, which includes financing capital expenses and new and existing projects to contribute to the development of agricultural work and the transition to agricultural technology. The bank also coordinates with farmers interested in securing financing within the programme offered by the Emirates Development Bank.

Marketing National Products

“Manbat” presented a brief overview of its initiatives and the key activities and services it provides to farmers in the UAE to enhance the marketing of national agricultural products. An agreement was reached to prepare an “Agricultural Plan” that contributes to the sustainability of national farms and enhances their productivity, according to the requirements of the local market, before the 2023 planting season. The Ministry will supervise to ensure the quality and safety of agricultural products.

Open Dialogue

An open dialogue was also held during the forum with farmers on ways to enhance the marketing of local agricultural products. This was done to involve farmers in the development of the local agricultural production sector and support its sustainability. The discussion revolved around several topics related to challenges associated with pricing, product marketing, farm qualification, organic farming licensing, the cost of commercial licenses and labour, water desalination for irrigation, crop production plans, solar energy solutions, and support materials.

At the end of the forum, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment affirmed its continued work to support the agricultural production sector, through pioneering action plans to overcome the challenges facing local agriculture, in cooperation with its partners towards the goal of enhancing national food security.

ALSO READ: Saudi , UAE lead Forbes’ Arab family business ranking

Previous Story

Niger coup leader meets Wagner group-allies Junta in Mali

Next Story

Jeddah talks: Ukraine, allies push peace plan

Latest from -Top News

G7 Sides with Israel in Escalating Conflict

The leaders said “Iran is the principal source of regional instability and terror.”…reports Asian Lite News Leaders of the G7 nations, meeting at a summit in Canada, issued a joint statement backing

Awami League Slams ‘Fascist’ Yunus

The videos from the protest shared on the party’s social media page showed several party activists marching through the streets of Dhaka in support of Hasina…reports Asian Lite News Hundreds of Awami

India Evacuates Students from Tehran

The Ministry also said that the Indian Embassy is continuously in touch with the community to provide all feasible assistance….reports Asian Lite News Amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, India has

Trump: Get Out of Tehran Now!

The US President also announced that he would cut short his visit to the Group of 7 (G7) summit in Canada to closely monitor the situation …reports Asian Lite News US President

UN Slams Bangladesh’s Party Ban Law

UN noted that prohibiting political parties would hinder a genuine transition to multiparty democracy…reports Asian Lite News UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk has voiced deep concern over recent legislative changes enacted
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Tariq Ahmad Named as VFS Global’s First Head of Empowerment and Inclusion for UAE

In this role, Tariq will also focus on enhancing multi-cultural

UAE pledges to work closer with African nations

Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE and Dubai seek to serve