UAE's Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in tandem with the department of Agriculture and Animal Production in Al Ain, started the latest round of sales of dates produced in the northern emirates.
Date farmers are able to command premium prices for their produce, the result of the special interest of the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which has led to special measures being put in place to sustain palm cultivation as a viable industry until it becomes self-sufficient. “Dates have positively contributed to the UAE economy as large quantities are exported annually around the world,” said Engineer Abdullah Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz, assistant undersecretary for Agriculture.
“The rising quantities of dates reflect positively on the operations of national factories such as Al Dhaid, Al Koumi, and Al Dhafra. The high output also encourages the private sector to build more factories that make date products,” Abdul Aziz added.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and the department of Agriculture and Animal Production in Al Ain have designed a delivery schedule for the farmers to avoid delays and queues for certification by the technical committee. This committee inspects date samples to make sure they meet the highest international conditions and comply with selling and exporting requirements.
Abdul Aziz said the increase in date output is mainly due to improved market opportunities that guarantee a better financial reward for the farmers. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
