ICBA Holds First Farmers’ Forum to Expand Climate-Smart Crop Cultivation Across the UAE

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has organised its first Forum for Farmers and Agricultural Extension Professionals to support the wider cultivation of climate-smart crops across the UAE.

Held at ICBA’s headquarters in Dubai, the forum brought together farmers from all seven emirates, agricultural extension professionals, government representatives and ICBA experts to coordinate preparations for growing four crops suited to local conditions.

The event was attended by H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment; H.E. Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agriculture Centre; and Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi, Director General of ICBA.

National Initiative Targets 45 Farms

The forum forms part of the National Agricultural Initiative for the Adoption of Climate-Smart Crops in the UAE, launched by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment in partnership with ICBA in April 2026.

The initiative aims to expand the cultivation of four crops across 45 farms, diversify domestic food and fodder production and improve water-use efficiency.

Participating farmers received seeds, technical guides and crop calendars for sorghum, proso millet, foxtail millet and blue panicum. They also discussed farm-specific requirements and anticipated challenges with ICBA researchers and agricultural extension professionals.

Digital Tool to Monitor Crop Performance

ICBA introduced a digital tool designed to collect farm-level data and document crop performance and agricultural practices. The platform allows users to record crop growth and farm operations, including irrigation, fertiliser application and harvesting.

Researchers and extension professionals will use the information to assess crop performance, monitor progress and identify the technical support required by individual farms.

Participants tested the tool during the forum, with particular attention to data quality and consistent record-keeping.

Farmers Receive Practical Training and Technical Support

ICBA experts conducted technical sessions on crop establishment, followed by practical instruction covering land preparation, sowing requirements and the installation and testing of irrigation systems.

Farmers also received guidance on irrigation scheduling. The technical guides and crop calendars will serve as references throughout the growing season, outlining the timing of essential farm operations and crop-care requirements.

Support will continue throughout the season, beginning with checks on land preparation and irrigation water sources before planting. ICBA researchers and agricultural extension professionals will subsequently monitor crop growth, identify problems and record harvest results, providing recommendations tailored to individual farm conditions.

Initiative Supports UAE Food Security Strategy 2051

H.E. Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi said expanding climate-smart crop cultivation would strengthen the UAE’s ability to produce food efficiently and sustainably.

He highlighted water scarcity and rising temperatures as reasons to increase the cultivation of crops suited to local environmental conditions. The initiative is expected to diversify domestic production, improve resource efficiency and help farmers sustain their operations.

Al Hammadi added that the initiative supports the objectives of the National Food Security Strategy 2051 by translating agricultural research into practical decisions for farmers and strengthening the resilience of the country's food system.

He also noted that launching the initiative at the second Emirates Agriculture Conference and Exhibition in Al Ain marked an important step in connecting agricultural research with farmers’ needs. Documenting results and incorporating farmers’ experiences, he said, would provide a scientific and economic basis for expanding cultivation and making these crops a viable long-term option.

ICBA Recognises Participating Farmers as Pioneers

Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi said the forum provides a practical platform for farmers, extension professionals and researchers to work together on expanding climate-smart agriculture.

She emphasised that ICBA will provide scientific evidence and technical guidance throughout the cultivation process, while extension professionals will play a central role in advising farmers and monitoring progress.

Alzaabi added that farm-level data and feedback would help direct technical support towards specific challenges and encourage the long-term adoption of crops suited to local conditions, supporting sustainable production and farmers’ livelihoods.

ICBA recognised each participating farmer as a pioneer in adopting climate-smart crops under the national initiative. Their experience and the results recorded throughout the growing season are expected to encourage wider adoption among farmers across the Emirates.

Forum Builds on Agricultural Extension Training

The forum concluded with discussions on implementation challenges and next steps, followed by the distribution of seeds to participating farmers. Attendees also took part in a flag-raising ceremony to mark UAE Flag Day.

The event followed ICBA’s Training of Trainers Programme for Agricultural Extension Service Professionals, held on October 27. While the earlier programme focused on preparing extension professionals, the latest forum brought farmers directly into the planting preparations and connected them with the specialists who will support their farms throughout the growing season.

The initiative aims to translate agricultural research into practical farming activities across the UAE, helping diversify local production and improve the sustainability of agricultural resources.