UAE achieved self-sufficiency in several food products - Bin Fahd

Abu Dhabi, Oct 16, 2008 (WAM) - Minister of Environment and Water Dr. Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahd said that the United Arab Emirates has attained self-sufficiency in a number of agricultural produces, thanks to the farsightedness of the lost leader of the nation, Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose footsteps were followed by the prudent leaders of the country.

Giving his message on the eve of the World Food Day, the minister said that President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and all the Supreme council members and the Rulers of various emirates followed a dedicated strategy to guarantee safe, healthy and sustainable food for all the inhabitants of the country.

In dates production and fisheries, UAE has achieved cent percent self-sufficiency while the vegetable cultivation has risen up to 39pc level. The milk and dairy production has attained a 92pc self-sufficiency, while the meat a poultry production is still ranging between 10 and 25 pc.

The minister said that UAE is working hard to protect environment, reclaim deserts and increase the area of agricultural lands. Continuous researches are going on to develop new agricultural varieties which will grow in the climatic conditions of UAE.

There is no a single flowing river in the UAE and irrigation is mainly depending on scarce springs and recycled water.