British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has, in one of its flagship programs �Middle East Business Report� aired on April 30, highlighted the great strides made by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the sphere of agriculture after Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority took responsibility for the crucial sector.
The BBC program, prepared after visits to farms in the Western Region as well as to Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, drew attention to the ways in which best international practices are implemented to reduce dependence on scarce natural resources such as water and to increase productivity and the quality of crops.The report pointed out that the market share of local vegetables and fruits would increase consistently as a result of the reforms going on in the agriculture sector currently. The efforts are all focused on increasing self reliance in food production to around 50% by the year 2030, BBC added, giving a detailed picture of the use of modern methods of farming in arid desert areas such as green houses and more effective irrigation methods.
�What is happening now in farming was termed impossible by all. It was His Highness Sheikh Zayed who had actually initiated the process and started encouraging the farmers to gear up for the impossible. With the implementation of the Vision 2030, the agricultural sector in the emirate is sure to hit the best standards of farming practices and productivity,� said Mohamed Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Service at ADFCA, in his comments made to the BBC.
The focus of the agriculture sector ever since ADFCA took it over has been on a holistic approach to the farming sector, increasing productivity and quality while reducing the use of water resources. The policy being implemented now is premised upon environmental protection, profitability, better marketing channels and the social relevance of the farming sector for the nation�s cultural heritage, the program pointed out.
