UAE's young farmers, green heritage shine at Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)While the inaugural Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition aims to shape the future of farming, the diverse participation — from seasoned farmers and young innovators to sustainability-focused entrepreneurs — reflects a nation rooted in a rich agricultural heritage, evolving with the times.Young farmer Musleh Alaryani, for example, started his journey in agriculture when he just three years old. It all began on his grandmother's land, he told Aletihad.'I used to go to my grandmother's farm to see how she was planting. I learnt from her,' he said during the event held from May 28 to 31 at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Encouraged by his father, who gave him a piece of land to cultivate, Musleh grew over 15 kinds of vegetables, watermelon, roses, and Indian dates. He eventually learnt how to produce cotton and even make artificial flowers, inspired by exhibitions and the teachings of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. 'Give me agriculture, and I will give you civilisation,' Musleh said, reciting the words of Sheikh Zayed by heart. Theyab Alketbi, a student at the Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine of the UAE University, is also taking part in the exhibition with his passion for aquaponics. This system integrates fish farming with agriculture. 'We use the fertilisers from the fish to nourish the plants without chemicals. It's a complete cycle,' Alketbi told Aletihad. 'The water is reused, saving both cost and resources.'Sustainable farming is a key focus of the exhibition, which has provided a collaborative space for knowledge exchange. Eco-friendly agricultural technologies are showcased, too, as the event reinforced the role of the community in driving agricultural development.Mansour Al Balushi, who represented Mustadama Farms, shared insights on how their company embraced sustainable farming. 'We grow and sell our products simultaneously. We've built net houses and greenhouses,' Al Balushi said. The company currently produces tomatoes, cucumbers, and other crops. 'Despite challenges, we succeeded in delivering a range of organic products in less than a year. We are in the middle of the season, and the results are promising.'
The conference focused on strengthening public-private partnerships, encouraging agricultural investment, and boosting local production from national farms. It highlighted how innovation, collaboration, and sustainability can come together to secure a brighter future for farming. With voices from every corner of the industry—young and old, academic and practical—the event offered a hopeful glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture.
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