UAE Unveils 'Plant The Emirates' Programme To Boost Agricultural Sector

UAE has introduced a national programme, 'Plant the Emirates', aimed at boosting the agricultural sector of the country. The initiative was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE. The 'Plant the Emirates' programme aims to encourage local community members to practice domestic agriculture by cultivating major agricultural products at home, expanding green spaces in the country, and supporting environmental protection efforts.

The announcement was made during the UAE Cabinet meeting held in Dubai. "Our goal is to embed a culture of agriculture in every school, every home, and in the hearts of our future generations," Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said. The UAE Prime Minister also added that the programme is designed to strengthen the country's food security, advance agricultural technologies, and build new partnerships with the private sector. 

The National Agriculture Centre, which is part of the "Plant the Emirates" programme initiatives, is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives and programmes aimed at increasing productivity and reducing agricultural production costs. Over the next five years (2025-2030), the centre will focus on increasing the number of productive farms in the country by 20%. Additionally, it also aims to raise the number of organic farms by 25% and seeks to promote the adoption of climate-smart solutions across 30% of farms. The centre also seeks to reduce agricultural waste by 50% and increase the use of local agricultural products in restaurants and hotels throughout the UAE by 25%.