Abu Dhabi:The UAE rulers’ vision on agriculture conveys their deep understanding of civilisation and of the determination to fight all odds and win what others perceive as “impossible”, said Dr Mubarak Sa’ad Al Ahbabi, Chairman of the Department of the President’s Affairs.
Dr Al Ahbabi recounted that Shaikh Zayed had said: “Give me agriculture, I will give you civilisation.”
When Shaikh Zayed wanted to develop Sir Baniyas Island in the Western Region for the production of exotic fruits, an expert told him it was impossible because the island was a hill in the sea, recounted Dr Al Ahbabi. “Shaikh Zayed did not want to hear the word ‘impossible’ and went ahead with his plantation project. The island now grows olives, apples, oranges, mandarin and many other fruits.”
Shaikh Zayed had said if there was availability of water, a national should cultivate something, said Dr Al Ahbabi. “He generously distributed land for agriculture and provided the support mechanism and incentives, including buying the produce from the farmers with minimum guaranteed prices.
The farms in Al Ain, Al Khatem and the Western Region of Abu Dhabi and across the UAE are a testimony to his contribution.”
