ADAFSA Showcases Innovations at Liwa Date Festival 2024

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is set to participate in the 20th Liwa Date Festival from July 15-28, 2024. ADAFSA aims to promote heritage, support the agricultural sector, and introduce various innovative practices to enhance palm cultivation and food security.

The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) is gearing up for the 20th Liwa Date Festival, slated for July 15-28, 2024. Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, the festival is organized by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority in Liwa, Al Dhafra Region.

ADAFSA underscores the importance of its participation in bolstering heritage and cultural events to promote Al Dhafra both economically and as a tourism hotspot. The Authority plans to demonstrate its role in advancing the palm sector in Abu Dhabi through various initiatives aimed at boosting palm cultivation, improving date production, and ensuring agricultural sustainability. Efforts to enhance the biosecurity system for disease and pest prevention will also be highlighted.

This year's participation by ADAFSA will include presentations on its comprehensive services for farm owners, especially in agricultural extension. Emphasis will be placed on the Authority’s pest control initiatives, integrated pest management programs, and best practices in palm tree care. Specific focus areas will include the use of pheromone and light traps and recommended treatments for palm trunk infestations.

ADAFSA will also conduct several awareness lectures on topics such as good agricultural practices, organic farming, and climate-smart agriculture. The Authority will showcase innovative technologies, including drones for aerial farm surveillance as part of its Smart Agricultural Control Programme. Additionally, ADAFSA experts will serve on the judging panel for the festival's renowned date competition, answer visitor inquiries, and offer technical advice and guidance.

The Authority also aims to promote the upcoming Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Week, from November 26-28 at ADNEC, which will feature extensive global participation. Additionally, the first Global Food Security Summit, hosted by Abu Dhabi, will invite top officials and experts to discuss future strategies for the sector.

During the festival, ADAFSA will also highlight the third Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Agricultural Excellence Award, encouraging participation among farmers and breeders with the prospect of winning valuable prizes. Furthermore, they will promote the Middle East's largest fodder market, designed to provide UAE livestock breeders with quality animal feed solutions at competitive prices.

The Liwa Date Festival celebrates the cultural and historical significance of palm trees, aims to preserve their heritage for future generations, and supports local farmers producing dates and other agricultural products. The festival features traditional competitions, handcrafts, a children's village, and more.