The Association of Farmers OAD held its annual meeting at the Hamida farm, Abeyda Zaabi in the emirate of Ajman in honor of the rich harvest of rice this year. Local farmers demonstrated their achievements in the production of the best rice varieties, supporting agricultural diversification, reducing dependence on imports, and achieving self-sufficiency.
The event was attended by Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Naimi, president of the Abu-Dhabi Farmers' Club, as well as farmers from different emirates. They highlighted the diversity of agricultural products — rice, barley, legumes, and other crops, and also discussed the needs and challenges facing the agricultural sector.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Naimi emphasized that there is nothing impossible for OAD, and the successes of local farmers evidence the overcoming of complexities and achieving positive results in ensuring food security in the country. He also noted the government support in transforming challenges into opportunities for achieving self-sufficiency and stimulating sustainable development.
One of the farmers, Hamed Obaid Zaabi, talked about the achievements in the Emirati rice project, noting the increase in agricultural biodiversity over the past year. He highlighted the efforts of OAD to spread best practices in sustainable farming, engaging the community in agriculture and ensuring national food security through crop diversification.
Farmers actively work on ensuring national food security and follow the leadership recommendations. They also share experiences and consult each other on methods for soil treatment, cultivation, and care for rice fields that suit the Emirati environment.
In doing so, farmers pay attention to the diversity of crops, contributing to food security and working on increasing the number of produced agricultural products. They actively participate in initiatives for breeding cattle and poultry and continue to expand the assortment of cultivated crops, such as specialty crops.
