ABU DHABI, 17th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is participating in the 19th Liwa Date Festival, which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, in Liwa, Al Dhafra region.
The festival is organised by the Cultural Programmes and Heritage Festivals Committee in Abu Dhabi from 17th to 30th July.
The Authority emphasised the significance of its participation in the festival, as it aims to promote the heritage and cultural events and activities that boost tourism and the economy of the Al Dhafra region. Additionally, ADAFSA seeks to highlight its role in developing the palm sector in Abu Dhabi. The Authority will present various plans and programmes on palm cultivation and date production in the emirate.
Furthermore, it will strive to enhance the efficiency of support programmes and agricultural development, ensuring sustainability and reinforcing the effectiveness of the biosecurity system to prevent diseases and pests.
ADAFSA will organise several awareness lectures on good agricultural practices (Abu Dhabi GAP) and introduce its efforts in controlling palm pests and implementing integrated management programmes to combat palm pests.
There will also be a lecture on the importance of organic agriculture and an introduction to the Abu Dhabi Agricultural Genome Programme. This programme, the first of its kind in the region, is implemented by the Authority in cooperation with national research centres in the country. It aims to apply the best international practices in agricultural genetic research.
Moreover, many experts from ADAFSA will serve on the jury for the date beauty competition, which is the most prominent event in the festival's activities. Additionally, visitors can make inquiries, receive technical advice, and access extension services.
Through its participation, ADAFSA also aims to promote the second cycle of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, encouraging farmers and breeders to participate and have the chance to win valuable prizes.
Also, it seeks to raise awareness about the first and largest Fodder Market of its kind in the Middle East. The market aims to provide UAE livestock breeders easy access to high-quality animal feed at competitive prices while ensuring safe and sustainable solutions for local fodder companies entering new markets.