UAE Launches First National Agricultural Guidance Forum to Champion Sustainable Farming


 Historic Launch to Drive Agricultural Transformation

The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has inaugurated the UAE’s first-ever National Agricultural Guidance Forum, a key national initiative aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector. Launched alongside the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025 (held from 28–31 May at ADNEC Centre Al Ain), the forum was convened under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This pioneering event is designed to empower farmers, foster innovation, and promote climate-smart agriculture.

Key Themes: Farmer Empowerment & Knowledge Exchange

The forum focused on critical aspects of agricultural development, including:

  • The strategic role of women in agricultural guidance

  • International best practices and collaborative models

  • Extension advisory services for modern farming techniques

  • Case studies of farmer success and agricultural resilience

These discussions emphasized bridging the gap between scientific research and on-ground farming practices, reinforcing the importance of agricultural extension officers in the UAE’s food security roadmap.

MOCCAE’s Vision: Agricultural Guidance as a Pillar of Food Security

Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector, highlighted that this initiative comes at a time when the UAE’s agricultural sector is undergoing a major transformation. He emphasized that agricultural guidance must become a critical support mechanism for farmers, enabling them to apply cutting-edge technology and sustainable techniques. The goal is to optimize resource use, enhance production quality, and support the UAE’s climate and food security strategies.


Collaboration Across Federal and Local Entities

The forum served as a collaborative platform between federal and local entities including MOCCAE and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority. These partnerships aim to drive innovation and implement evidence-based agricultural policies, ultimately fostering a resilient and climate-adaptive farming sector.

FAO’s Support: Agricultural Guidance Is a Necessity

Dr. Waleed Abouel Hassan from the FAO GCC Subregional Office reinforced the importance of the initiative. He called the launch a “strategic milestone” in the UAE’s agricultural journey and committed FAO’s support in strengthening extension programmes and knowledge-sharing systems that empower farmers, particularly youth and women.

Empowering Farmers Through Real-World Success Stories

One session, titled “Empowering Farmers: Success Stories Through Real Farmer Interactions,” showcased how technical, financial, and marketing support has turned farming challenges into opportunities. Speakers from MOCCAE and the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority highlighted practical strategies that farmers have adopted to shift from traditional to sustainable and profitable farming practices.

Women in Agricultural Extension: A Growing Force

A separate session spotlighted the role of Emirati women in agricultural extension services. Female engineers and extension officers shared their experiences, career development opportunities, and challenges. These insights reflect the UAE’s broader goals of gender inclusivity and empowerment in agriculture.

Field Schools: An Innovative Training Approach

Eng. Momin Jilani of FAO presented the Field Schools Model, emphasizing participatory learning and hands-on training as a tool for building farmer capacity. This educational approach aims to enhance technical know-how and foster innovation at the grassroots level.

Best Practices for Effective Agricultural Guidance

The concluding panel discussed key takeaways for successful agricultural extension, emphasizing:

  • Clear communication between extension officers and farmers

  • Continuous training and upskilling

  • Community involvement and farmer-led innovations

About the Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2025

Held as part of the ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Programme, the exhibition reflects the UAE’s ambition to expand green spaces and support the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The event featured:

  • Participation from 22 government entities

  • Over 40 private companies and 20 agritech startups

  • Involvement of four national universities and multiple schools

Conclusion

The National Agricultural Guidance Forum marks a bold step toward building a sustainable, knowledge-driven, and inclusive agricultural economy in the UAE. With strong institutional backing and active stakeholder participation, the forum sets the stage for future-forward agriculture that aligns with climate goals and supports farmer resilience.


Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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