Sparking children's interest in farming

Abu Dhabi is planning to spark an interest in farming among children as part of its drive to achieve food security, a senior official told Gulf News. “Most of the Emirati owners of the farms are not involved in the farming operations as farms are managed by expatriate managers or workers,” said Mohammad Jalal Al Reyaysa, Director of Communication and Community Services at the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA). “The involvement of children may change this situation. When children are interested in farming, they may compel their parents to visit the farms regularly.” The authority is organising its second Agricultural Exhibition at Al Ain Convention Centre from next Wednesday. The four-day exhibition is part of endeavours to boost agriculture in the emirate as outlined in the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision. The event will showcase new machinery and technology that harness renewable energy, said Mubarak Ali Mohammad Al Mansouri, Executive Director of the Agriculture Sector at ADFCA. The exhibition in Al Ain will include several activities for children with the aim of getting them interested in farming, the official said. Pupils from schools in Al Ain have put together a theatre production which will be shown at the exhibition, while ADFCA will launch an animated film about food safety. Emissions to drop Meanwhile, a senior official said carbon dioxide emissions from agriculture in Abu Dhabi are expected to drop thanks to the promotion of sustainable farming practices including the use of renewable energy. Abu Dhabi has already adopted several sustainable measures including phasing out water-intensive crops and reducing the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Renewable energy use is the latest step in the right direction, according to Al Reyaysa. “Abu Dhabi is already in the forefront of promoting renewable energy and its use in agriculture sector is the new step to tackle climate change,” he said. There will be several pavilions at the exhibition to showcase breakthrough agricultural technologies and systems such as irrigation and chemical and organic fertilisers. Other stands will focus on agricultural equipment and machineries, post-harvest produce treatment, local produce and livestock products. Information -    What: Agricultural Exhibition at Al Ain Convention Centre. -    When: From February 22-25. -    Entry: Free -    Activities: Display agricultural products, machinery, equipment, symposiums, awareness programmes, cultural contests and some theatrical works