Ministry offers farming materials for Emiratis

Dubai - The new scheme, in line with best international practices, leverages the ministry's effective partnerships with private sector companies to provide farmers with agricultural supplies.

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in a bid to support Emirati farmers, will supply up to 9,500 tonnes of fertilisers to them at competitive price. 
Sultan Alwan, assistant undersecretary of the regions sector at the ministry, said the move is part of the ministry's annual drive to provide financial and technical assistance to farmers in the UAE. 
"This is also part of the ministry's priority to encourage local farmers to switch to innovative, eco-friendly farming patterns and promote local agricultural production." 
The scheme is in support to the Year of Giving initiative and the national food security strategy, he added. "Every year, the ministry conducts a survey to identify the needs of farmers and understand the essential requirements to be supplied during the next cycle."
The study helps the ministry ascertain the facilities necessary to guarantee food safety while ensuring the protection of natural resources, Alwan explained. "The ministry also oversees the provision of the supplies to UAE farmers at half price." 
"The ministry is committed to encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural practices, such as organic farming." 
The new scheme, in line with best international practices, leverages the ministry's effective partnerships with private sector companies to provide farmers with agricultural supplies, he elaborated.
"These include fertilisers, pesticides, seeds, irrigation pipes and soil testing equipment, which are all available at half the market price," he said. "The suppliers deliver all materials purchased by the farmers from the ministry to the farm or to the nearest location to the farm."
The ministry will supply over 52 types of materials this year, a 40 per cent increase from last year. "The distribution of agricultural materials and supplies for 2017 will begin during the second week of August." 
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com
 

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