H.E Eng. Saif al-Shara, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Livestock Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water, met with Dr. Frank Rijsberman, CEO, Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers, to discuss future collaborations between the two parties. The cooperation will focus on Livestock Affairs and agricultural research and participation in key events such as the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture in Abu Dhabi.
Al Shara assured that the ministry will continue to improve the UAE’s agricultural and animal wealth through studies and research and exchange of best practices and innovations with its strategic partners such as the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions, which one of the best research centers in the region.
Al Shara added that the ministry aims to learn from the regional and international studies and research works relevant to the ministry’s functions. In line with this, the ministry has signed several MoUs and agreements with pioneering organizations in the areas of research and ecology for joint research activities at the ministry’s agricultural research centers. The collaborations are also meant for capacity building to improve the skills of the ministry’s technical Emirati staff and personnel.
Dr. Rijsberman commended the UAE for its efforts to grow its agricultural and animal wealth through implementation of various programs, particularly the use of modern techniques for the efficient use of water to boost agricultural production. One of these techniques is the hydroponic culture which was successfully integrated into the country’s agricultural system. He also praised the ministry for successfully farming salt-tolerant provender, including libido, and using the green provender technique that addresses the needs of livestock clients.
Both parties also discussed mutually beneficial cooperation, including plans to develop the ministry's research centers and connect them with global organizations as well as embark on joint mutual research projects. They also took a closer look at the research papers produced by the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions to determine how these can help boost the ministry’s objectives to attain sustainability and promote conservation of natural resources, specifically the country’s water supply.
H.E Al Shara capped off the meeting with expression of appreciation to the association for its significant contributions to agricultural research. He assured the group of the ministry’s full cooperation and support for its relevant research and development activities.