ADAFSA to Participate in 20th Liwa Date Festival to Promote Agricultural Sustainability and Heritage
Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is participating in the 20th edition of the Liwa Date Festival, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. Organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, the festival takes place in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region, from July 15 to 28, 2024.
Supporting Heritage and Economic Development
ADAFSA underscores the importance of their involvement in the festival, which aims to support heritage and cultural events that promote the Al Dhafra region both economically and as a tourist destination. The Authority will highlight its role in advancing palm cultivation and date production through various initiatives focused on agricultural sustainability and enhancing the biosecurity system to prevent diseases and pests.
Showcasing Services and Innovations
This year, ADAFSA’s participation will include presentations on their comprehensive range of services provided to farm owners, particularly agricultural extension services. The Authority will showcase its efforts in pest control for palm trees, integrated pest management programs, and best practices in palm tree care. This includes the installation and management of pheromone and light traps and recommended treatment methods for palm trunk infestations.
Educational Initiatives and Technological Advancements
ADAFSA will offer several awareness lectures on good agricultural practices, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture. They will also introduce innovative agricultural practices such as drone technology for aerial farm surveillance, as part of the Smart Agricultural Control Programme. ADAFSA experts will participate in the judging panel for the prominent date competition, answer visitor inquiries, and provide technical advice and guidance.
Promoting Key Events and Competitions
During the festival, ADAFSA will promote the third edition of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week, scheduled for November 26-28 at ADNEC. This event will feature wide international participation from decision-makers and leading global companies in the sector. Additionally, they will promote the first Global Food Security Summit, hosted by Abu Dhabi, which will gather top officials, decision-makers, and experts to discuss the future of this vital sector.
ADAFSA will also encourage participation in the third edition of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, offering valuable prizes to farmers and breeders. Furthermore, they will highlight the Middle East’s largest fodder market, designed to provide UAE livestock breeders with easy access to high-quality animal feed at competitive prices and ensure sustainable solutions for local fodder companies to reach markets.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage
The Liwa Date Festival aims to emphasize the significance of palm trees, preserve their historical value, and pass this heritage to future generations. It supports local farmers producing dates, fruits, and agricultural products, and features traditional competitions such as the date and fruit mazayna and model farm competitions, handcrafts, a children’s village, and more.
