Latest news with #Naghal
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority issues scientific and practical guide on date varieties in the emirate
24 July 2025 15:14 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)In conjunction with the launch of the 21st Liwa Date Festival 2025, the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), has released the Abu Dhabi Date Varieties Guide, a comprehensive reference for the most prominent date varieties in the pavilion at the festival will promote the guide to help farmers, visitors, and stakeholders learn about palm farming and date 61 date varieties classified by their environmental and geographical traits, the guide clarifies varieties suitable for arid regions and others adapted to high-humidity coastal areas. The guide further provides in-depth details on ripening times, production rates, unique traits for each variety, and recommendations to improve quality and guide highlights several prominent date varieties, including Fard, which is widely grown in Abu Dhabi, particularly in Al Ain Region. It is a commercial variety consumed both fully ripe (Rutab), and dry (Tamer). Another variety is Dabbas, a commercially significant variety that thrives in arid environments, such as the Al Dhafra region. The guide also introduces Naghal dates, an early-maturing variety of high economic value, primarily consumed when fully ripe (Rutab).ADAFSA emphasised that releasing this guide aligns with its strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and provide farmers with accurate information for selecting environmentally appropriate varieties. Moreover, the guide will contribute to preserving the diversity of local varieties while enhancing the economic value of the emirate's date palm to ADAFSA, the guide serves as a technical reference for farmers and professionals to improve agricultural productivity and food security through the cultivation of high-quality local cultivars. The authority emphasised that publishing such guides reinforces its efforts to promote Abu Dhabi's position as a leading hub for sustainable agriculture, aligning with Abu Dhabi's vision for comprehensive and sustainable development. The guide is available to the public on ADAFSA's website and will also be distributed to farmers as part of ADAFSA's awareness programmes and initiatives, ensuring its information is accessible to all target groups, with a focus on visitors of the Liwa Date Festival 2025.
Sharjah 24
30-06-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Dibba Al Hisn Municipality launches 'Jood Al Saaf' initiative
A Tradition Aligned with the Date Season The 'Jood Al Saaf' initiative comes in conjunction with the start of the date season, which is warmly anticipated by UAE citizens as it signals the arrival of summer. For many, especially senior citizens, this season evokes memories and stories from a past deeply intertwined with the land and its traditions. Community Appreciation and Cultural Identity The initiative was met with great appreciation from local dignitaries and heads of government departments and institutions in the city. It reinforces Emirati cultural identity, as dates are considered an essential part of the UAE's agricultural heritage. Diverse Date Varieties and Productive Palm Groves Dibba Al Hisn Municipality oversees approximately 800 palm trees spread across various parts of the city. This season, the harvest included abundant yields from over five different varieties of rutab, most notably Naghal and Khneizi. Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security Khadija Najib, Director of the Agriculture Department at the municipality, stated: 'This diversity in harvest significantly contributes to local self-sufficiency in dates during the season. The annual expansion of palm cultivation is a key pillar of the city's agricultural sustainability plans, especially in the face of environmental challenges and climate change. Palm trees help maintain ecological balance, preserve soil, and lower temperatures in agricultural zones, thereby enhancing the city's resilience and supporting long-term food security.' Advanced Agricultural Practices She added that the Agriculture Department has implemented advanced systems to care for the palm trees, including scheduled fertilisation, irrigation, and environmental analysis programmes in cooperation with specialized entities. Scientific studies have been conducted to assess soil and water quality, and crop testing ensures safety and top-tier quality. These integrated scientific plans aim to optimise agricultural returns and ensure sustainable growth in the sector. Strengthening Community Bonds and Heritage His Excellency Talib Abdullah Al Yahyai, Director of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, emphasised the municipality's commitment to organising this initiative annually, saying: 'This initiative enhances social connection in the city and reinforces the values and traditions passed down from our ancestors. It also helps raise awareness about the importance of agricultural heritage, as the date season symbolises blessing and Emirati generosity.' Successful Season Backed by Agricultural Efforts Al Yahyai noted that this year's date season saw plentiful yields thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Agriculture Department in caring for palm trees and green spaces throughout the city. These efforts have contributed to the success of agricultural plans and resulted in a productive season. Embracing Tradition Across Generations He also pointed out that 'Jood Al Saaf' received a warm response from the residents of the city due to its strong ties to local heritage and folklore, which continue to be passed down through generations. Welcoming the summer season with joy and the symbolism it carries remains a cherished Emirati custom. A Strategic Sector in National Food Security The palm cultivation sector in the UAE is considered a vital component of the country's food security system. The UAE has given this sector great importance through initiatives and programmes aimed at protecting palm trees from harmful pests and adopting modern techniques to improve the quality and variety of dates, with the ultimate goal of producing top-grade fruits.
