The Ministry of Environment and Water successfully participated at the recently concluded Agra Middle East, the Middle East's largest trade event dedicated to agribusiness, aquaculture and veterinary medicine, which ran from March 16 to March 18, 2015 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre. Participating under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, Minister of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Environment and Water highlighted its commitment to develop the local agricultural segment, particularly in the efforts to enhance food safety and achieve sustainable local production.
H.E. Engineer Saif Mohammed Al-Shara', Assuistant Undersecretary for Agricultural and Livestock Affairs, Ministry of Environment and Water, said that the Ministry’s presence falls in line with the move to drive in more development for key agri segments, including organic agriculture and aquaculture—introducing these new concepts to local farmers and encourage its adoption, which in turn, will drive in economic and environmental advantages and benefits.
During the event, the Ministry of Environment and Water threw the spotlight on its initiatives, services and activities, especially its ‘Our Production’ initiative, a program that focuses on the latest techniques and practices in aquaculture, which is poised to save 70 per cent of water via the use of a fodder cultivation model. The Ministry also highlighted its role in organic farming through the issuance of Federal Law No. 5 of 2009, which covers organic inputs and products and its executive regulations No. 84 of 2012. The law regulates the production, trading, import and export of all organic products in order to gain consumer confidence in organic products as they are lawful and certified by the Emirates Authority for Standardization and Metrology.
The Ministry of Environment and Water stand also showcased the beekeeping industry, including the law issued by the Ministry on regulations covering the import and export of honeybees. The Ministry also provided information on its newly established farmers training centre, which is dedicated to farmers and people who are interested in agriculture. The centre provides training courses on new systems in the agricultural sector, like organic culture, aquaculture and methods of pest control. The Ministry also featured its other services like agricultural quarantine, which ensures the organization of import, export, trading of agricultural inputs, seedlings, vegetables and fruits.
Agra Middle East Exhibition is the region’s leading event in the agriculture industry. It attracts about 250 exhibitors, manufacturers and suppliers to offer products and services of key sectors, including agribusiness, poultry and livestock, fish and aquatic resources, flowers, and for the first time machines and supplies.