Liwa: A large number of farmers and farm owners in Al Gharbia (formerly western region) attended an agricultural exhibition yesterday, the first of its kind in the region. On display was an entire range of equipment and state-of-the art products.
Shaikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Western Region, inaugurated the first Liwa Agricultural Exhibition in the presence of a galaxy of dignitaries. The event took place at the Liwa Wedding Hall.
The three-day exhibition organised by Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority.
Shaikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the initiative which is meant to help farmers to better the quality and quantity of their produce.
The event is also an occasion for the authority to introduce farmers to the government's agricultural policy, which focuses on modernisation and preservation of natural resources and cultural specificities at the same time.
Rashed Al Shariqi, Director General of the Authority said the reason for holding the event in Liwa was because of its preeminent position as the western region's agricultural centre.
"Agriculture is one of the country's most dynamic sectors, which has received and continues to receive the entire range of support and assistance from the wise leadership of the emirate," he said.
Support centre
With the inauguration of the Farmers' Service Centre in Al Gharbia yesterday, the farmers in the region have a single-point support centre for all their dealings with the Government of Abu Dhabi. The centre is targeting to improve the availability and quality of UAE grown food from the current 12.5 per cent share of the market up towards a 25 per cent share of the market, while improving water use efficiency, officials told Gulf News at Liwa Agricultural Exhibition.
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority has established the Farmers' Services Centre to develop and support 8250 client farmers in the region.
