His Highness Sheikh Hazza Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, General Manager, Dewan of the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, inaugurated the second Agricultural Exhibition in Al Ain today in the presence of a number of dignitaries, including H.E. Rashid Al Hajri, ADFCA Board Member and FNC member, and Dr. Matar Mohammad Saif Al Nuaimi, General Manager, Al Ain city Municipality.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, and organized by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority in Al Ain during February 22 � 25, 2012, the exhibition occupies 7000 square meters of space at the Al Ain Conference Centre.
Following the formal inauguration, Sheikh Hazza took a tour of the exhibition, along with the delegation accompanying him, and acquainted himself on the various exhibits on display, which included the latest technologies and equipment used in farming. The exhibitors included a host of companies from the agriculture and animal wealth sectors, and there is participation of several government, semi-government and private organizations.
Sheikh Hazza bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan said the hosting of the agricultural exhibition was of utmost importance because the agricultural sector was crucial to food security for the country. �Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority is sparing no effort in the path of achieving sustainability for the dynamic agricultural sector. The Authority is focusing attention on the social, economic and environmental dimensions of farming in an integrated manner,� he added.
He stressed that ADFCA was rooted in the ground realities of the country and was ably meeting the needs of the people for food safety and sustainable development for the farming and animal wealth sectors. �Through providing excellent services to the people in all these spheres, the Authority is building a wonderful image for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,� he pointed out.
On his part, HE Rashid Mohamed Al Shariqi, Director General of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, said the hosting of the exhibition was reflective of the priorities of the Authority, which were premised on enhancing the efficiency and performance of the farmers and on spreading awareness among them about the best agricultural practices and the technologies that helped in them. �Raising the position of local produce and improving its quality is a fundamental objective that we pursue. We hope the exhibition and the conferences and symposiums that will take place on the sidelines will enrich the experience of farmers, farm owners and the interested public. This is an important opportunity for exchange of know-how and expertise as well as to educate ourselves on the latest developments in agriculture,� he added, hoping that the exhibition would turn out to be a milestone for farming in Al Ain.
Around 150 entities, comprising 90 exhibitors, 30 farms, and 30 animal production farms are participating in the exhibition. The exhibition consists of a number of wings and sections scattered over 150 stands, which include sections for modern irrigation systems, chemical and organic fertilizer systems, modern farming systems, different machines and equipment used in farming and post-harvest operations. There will be separate sections for local produce, animal production and date palms.
A number of diverse events and programs, such as conferences, awareness programs, cultural contests, theater performances and auctions are part of the exhibition. Prizes will be given to the best government exhibitor, best exhibitors (company or factory or institution) in the sphere of plants and animals.
Moreover, cash prizes will be given to three each of the best farms in the spheres of plants and animal production and the best agricultural technology on display. Some breeds of sheep and goats will be auctioned during the events. The event will be open for the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. except on Friday when it will commence at 2 p.m.
Sponsors and supporters of Al Ain Exhibition include Al Foah and Aghdia as strategic partners, Al Dhahra, First Gulf Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank as strategic sponsors, and ADNOC, Al Anhar, Al Wadi Engineering Contracting Establishment, Saif & Bin Harmal Drilling Establishment, Bin Ham Electrical and Mechanical Establishments, Tridex Trading & Services EST and Al Wathba Company for Central Services as supporting sponsors.
