Sheikh Mohammed announces Plant the Emirates project to boost agriculture in UAE.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to strengthen the UAE’s agricultural sector and enhance food security. The Plant the Emirates project aims to support local farming, increase sustainability, and secure the nation’s food supply, as announced by the state news agency WAM.
At the heart of the initiative is the creation of a national agriculture centre. This centre will focus on increasing local production, improving quality, and making UAE-grown produce more competitive. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that this program continues the legacy of the UAE’s Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed, who prioritized greening and developing the UAE through agriculture.
“The Plant the Emirates program seeks to spread the culture of agriculture in every school, home, and generation,” Sheikh Mohammed stated. The project is geared towards improving food security, advancing agricultural technologies, building partnerships with the private sector, and expanding green spaces to ensure sustainability.
Several ambitious targets for the next five years have been set. These include:
- A 20% boost in production from local farms
- A 25% increase in organic farms
- A 30% adoption rate of climate-smart farming solutions
- A 50% reduction in agricultural waste
- A 15% growth in agricultural employment
- A 25% increase in the use of local produce by restaurants and hotels
- For 85% of local farms to obtain the quality classification seal
Local communities are encouraged to participate by growing produce at home, contributing to expanding green spaces across the UAE. The program also aligns with the Year of Sustainability, with efforts to reduce the country’s carbon footprint by promoting eco-friendly practices in agriculture.
National campaigns, seasonal markets, and exhibitions will be held under the Plant the Emirates banner, offering a platform to market homegrown crops and agricultural products. This initiative was launched after a UAE Cabinet meeting at Al Marmoom farm in Dubai, attended by prominent leaders including Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, and Sheikh Saif bin Zayed.
The Plant the Emirates project aims to cultivate a greener, more sustainable future for the UAE, inviting the nation to take part in building a legacy for future generations.
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