DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment has announced a new initiative to enhance the efficiency of agricultural advisory services, state-run news agency WAM reported on Sunday.
The project is part of the UAE’s wider efforts to increase agricultural productivity and strengthen national food security.
Aiming to develop the potential and professional potential of agricultural officials to have tools to transfer technology and share modern farming techniques effectively, which will help increase productivity.
The programme includes specialized training in areas such as soil and irrigation, crop and vegetable production, fruit production, pest control and prevention, and beekeeping and honey production, WAM added.
There are also lectures and training to enhance the skills of agricultural agents, alongside field courses that provide practical application of theoretical knowledge, develop communication skills and increase confidence.
“The project to improve agricultural extension efficiency is part of our ongoing commitment to support the sustainability of national farms in the UAE, which aims to strengthen and grow the sector in the future,” said Mohammed Salman Al-Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Food Diversity.
“This project aims to develop specific pathways for all agricultural extension officers covering key areas in the sector. Through this, we aim to build capacity and capability in agricultural extension, which in turn will boost local agricultural production and support the transformation of national food systems into more sustainable ones,” he added.
The program also includes the development of an annual agricultural advisory plan that monitors and supports farmers in improving crop production and protecting crops from pests.
This will include schedules for the implementation of services related to trees and the growing seasons of each crop, with a focus on the production of palm, fruit, vegetables, animal feed and honey. The implementation will also cover irrigation, fertilization and land improvement.
The program will also produce technical reports and farm advisory visit reports, including data analysis, recommendations and documentation of results to ensure continuous improvement and meet farmer needs.
Al-Hammadi stressed the importance of improved communication between agricultural representatives and farmers, with plans to visit farms and meet regularly to discuss challenges. The project aims to improve crop yields, set clear standards and objectives for agricultural referral programs, and ultimately increase farmer satisfaction.
