Abu Dhabi, July 17, 2010: Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority's participation at the Liwa Date Festival, which began on Saturday, July 17, 2010, has attracted popular attention. The Authority reached out to the Western Region's farmers and general public with an impressive bouquet of information, knowledge, advices and experiences on agriculture especially date farming.

A spokesperson said the Authority was distributing a number of publications that give useful information on modern farming methods, latest pesticide control mechanisms (especially for fighting palm weevil), and irrigation methods.

The publications being distributed by the Authority at the festival also include a host of other useful materials meant to educate the farmers and the general public on a wide variety of issues, such as food safety, animal and plant health and other related subjects. 

The presence of the Authority at the festival also assumes significance because a number of its officials are on the juries of the various contests taking place for the best varieties of dates.

The spokesperson added that the Authority was keen on ensuring its participation at the events taking place in the Western Region considering the salient role of the region in local agricultural production. "We are also eager to offer the best agricultural services to the region's farmers, including technical and other expertise. With the induction of agriculture into the responsibilities of the Authority, we are trying to work together with the farmers of the region on improving the quality of both agricultural production and produce in the region.  It is an important part of our mission for agriculture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi," he added.