To enhance agricultural production and strengthen food security in the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has launched a programme to improve agricultural advisory services.
The initiative aims to upgrade the skills and professional capacities of agricultural extension agents, enhancing their communication abilities to transfer technology and share modern farming techniques, thereby increasing production.
The programme includes specialised training courses on soil and irrigation, crop and vegetable production, fruit cultivation, pest prevention and control, and beekeeping and honey production. It also features lectures, workshops, and field courses to improve technical skills, apply theoretical knowledge practically, and develop communication skills.
Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, said, “The programme is part of our commitment to support the sustainability of UAE farms, aiming to strengthen and grow the sector. It establishes a specialised path for agricultural extension agents, enhancing their capacity and competency to boost local production and support the transformation of national food systems into more sustainable models.”
The programme will be implemented in collaboration with partners, research centres, and international experts. MOCCAE’s efforts include an annual plan for agricultural guidance to monitor and support farmers in improving crop production and pest protection. This plan involves a timetable for servicing operations of trees and cultivation seasons for each crop, focusing on date palms, fruits, vegetables, fodder, bees, and honey production. It also addresses irrigation, fertilisation, and land reclamation.
Additionally, the plan includes developing technical reports and advisory visit reports, providing recommendations, and documenting results to ensure performance improvement. Al Hammadi stated that the Ministry aims to enhance communication between extension agents and farmers, scheduling regular farm visits and meetings to discuss challenges and improve crop yields, thereby increasing farmers’ satisfaction.
