UAE Minister Of Climate Change Visits Al Ain Farm To Explore Innovative Agricultural Practices

UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak on Monday visited Abdulrahman Al Shamsi's farm in Al Ain, a city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Accompanied by several local media representatives, the visit focused on examining the latest farming practices and technologies implemented on the farm. Al Dahak's tour was part of the "Plant the Emirates" national program.

This program aims to support the UAE's agricultural goals, improve food security, create new partnerships with the private sector, and increase green spaces across the country.

Covering over 160,000 square meters, Abdulrahman Al Shamsi's farm has great potential for growing crops and raising livestock, including "Lamborghini chicken" and Boer goats. It serves as a model of modern and advanced national agriculture in the UAE, producing crops throughout the year. Established in 1996, the farm generates more than 150 tons of various crops, including dates, pomegranates, zucchini, watermelons, lemons, cabbage, and mangoes.

The farm is self-sufficient; the feed for fish and livestock is cultivated on-site, and water from the fish pools irrigates the crops. The fish waste, rich in ammonia, serves as a natural fertilizer, while plastic covers on the soil help retain moisture.

The farm uses aquaculture methods, which have increased crop yields by three times and reduced water use by 90%. During her visit, Al Dahak praised the farm for being a good example of national agriculture.

She expressed satisfaction with the farm's ability to produce different important crops, which supports the UAE's goal of increasing local crop production as part of its National Food Security Strategy 2051.

"We encourage local farmers to expand their agricultural activities, and are committed to providing them with all the necessary support to boost production and ensure its distribution across markets throughout the UAE," Al Dahak was quoted as saying by WAM.

She stressed the important role of the community in supporting farming practices and helping to produce food at home, in line with the 'Plant the Emirates' program.

Soon, this program will introduce events and initiatives to encourage everyone to grow fruits and vegetables at home for personal use. Al Dahak also pointed out the importance of the National Agriculture Centre, which will be announced early next year.

This center will offer more grants and funding to support innovative projects in agriculture and modern farming. Its goals include increasing productive farms, improving organic farms, reducing waste in farming, and more.

She highlighted the crucial role of the media in promoting national farms and the UAE's efforts to support agriculture and ensure food security. Additionally, she stressed how the "Plant the Emirates" program helps strengthen farming practices, paving the way for a secure food future.