Sharjah hosts Farmers’ Forum to boost sustainable agriculture and food security

The Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Department organised a Farmers' Forum to discuss ways of developing and marketing agricultural products. The forum was held in cooperation with a number of local specialist companies and retail outlets.

The event aims to promote the transition to sustainable agriculture, encourage the sharing of knowledge and expertise, and develop an agricultural system that balances production with the preservation of natural resources and the environment.  As part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to support sustainable, productive farms, this initiative aligns with Sharjah’s vision of creating a competitive environment that provides safe, sustainable solutions to empower farm owners.

The forum also aims to contribute to the National Food Security Strategy by promoting best practices and encouraging the adoption of modern food production technologies. The forum was attended by Dr. Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al Tenaiji, Chairman of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Department; Salim Abdalla Al Kaabi, Director of the Department; and a number of department heads. Also in attendance were representatives of specialised local agricultural product marketing companies and several owners of productive farms in the Emirate of Sharjah.

Dr Eng. Khalifa Musabah Al-Tenaiji, Chairman of the Department, stated, 'The forum aims to identify the challenges farmers face in accessing local markets, and to empower them to take advantage of available marketing opportunities. It also seeks to familiarise farmers with the necessary specifications and quality standards in line with best practice."

He added, "Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Agricultural and Livestock Department is focused on empowering agricultural projects to enhance sustainable development. We emphasize the importance of investing in the agriculture and livestock sectors, as they represent a fundamental pillar of Sharjah’s economy in particular, and the UAE’s economy in general. These sectors are also key contributors to achieving sustainable food security and creating substantial employment opportunities."

Khalifa Al Tenaiji further explained, “This forum comes at a time when Sharjah is witnessing a significant transformation in its sustainable agricultural system. It also contributes to promoting contract farming, which ensures stable markets and predictable, regular income for farmers. Additionally, it enables continuous monitoring of farms and provides technical and training support to qualify them to meet market requirements and enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural products."

"The forum represents an important step in identifying the challenges farmers face in developing agricultural marketing methods, transferring knowledge and advanced technologies to practical application, enabling the optimal use of resources, and improving and enhancing production quality."

The forum featured active discussions, during which farmers presented the main challenges they face and explored how to turn those challenges into successful opportunities. The discussions also emphasized the importance of transitioning from traditional farms to more sustainable and model production farms. Moreover, the forum reviewed opportunities for developing mechanisms that strengthen the building of a more innovative and sustainable agricultural ecosystem. It also highlighted successful practices and the Department’s ongoing efforts to support productive farms.

This forum represents an important step in enhancing partnership and integration with the private sector, reflecting the Department’s commitment to the vision of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in implementing best practices and delivering comprehensive agricultural services that contribute to Sharjah’s strategy to provide safe and healthy food for all members of society.