In its endeavor to boost agricultural output and fortify national food security in the UAE, the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has initiated a program aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of agricultural extension agents or agricultural advisory staff. This initiative not only seeks to bolster their professional capabilities but also focuses on refining their communication skills to facilitate the dissemination of advanced farming methods, thereby boosting production.
The program will feature specialized training modules on topics such as soil and irrigation management, crop and vegetable cultivation, fruit production, pest prevention and control, as well as beekeeping and honey production. Additionally, it will include lectures and workshops designed to sharpen the technical skills and competencies of agricultural extension agents. Field courses will also be part of the program, offering practical applications of theoretical knowledge and opportunities to develop communication skills and build confidence.
Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Under-Secretary of the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, emphasized that the agricultural extension efficiency improvement program is integral to their continuous efforts to support the sustainability of national farms in the UAE, with the goal of strengthening and expanding the sector in the future. The program is designed to create a specialized pathway for all agricultural extension agents, covering key areas within the sector. This approach aims to enhance the capacity and competency of agricultural extension, ultimately contributing to increased local agricultural production and the transformation of national food systems towards greater sustainability.
Dr. Al Hammadi also highlighted that the program will be executed in partnership with various collaborators, research centers, and global experts. The Ministry's initiatives include the development of an annual plan for agricultural guidance, which is intended to monitor and support farmers in improving crop yields and safeguarding crops from pests. This plan involves setting a schedule for service operations related to trees and cultivation seasons for each crop. The program will concentrate on crops such as date palms, fruits, vegetables, fodder, bees, and honey, and will also cover activities related to irrigation, fertilization, and land reclamation.
Furthermore, through the annual plan for agricultural guidance, the Ministry aims to foster better communication between extension agents and farmers, and to establish a routine schedule for regular farm visits.
