ICBA Hosts ‘Millets Harvest Day’ to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security in the UAE

Environment

ICBA Hosts ‘Millets Harvest Day’ to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture and Food Security in the UAE

The International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) marked World Environment Day by organizing “Millets Harvest Day,” a field-based event aimed at promoting the adoption of climate-smart crops and supporting sustainable agriculture in the UAE.

The event builds on the momentum of the National Agricultural Initiative for the Adoption of Climate-Smart Crops in the UAE, launched earlier this year by the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and ICBA during the Emirati Agriculture Conference and Exhibition 2026.

The gathering brought together government officials, researchers, farmers, strategic partners, university students, and representatives from national entities to highlight the role of millet as a resilient crop capable of adapting to drought, salinity, and high temperatures while requiring significantly less water than conventional crops.

Among the attendees was His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, who emphasized the importance of practical agricultural solutions that strengthen local food production and support the long-term sustainability of the sector.

He noted that the National Agricultural Initiative reflects the Ministry’s commitment to advancing climate-smart agricultural practices and providing farmers with science-based, resource-efficient crop options. He added that collaboration with ICBA plays a key role in identifying crops suited to the UAE’s environmental conditions and enhancing their adoption across the country.

Dr. Al Hammadi further highlighted the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to support scientific research and practical applications that can help agriculture adapt to harsh climatic conditions, contributing to national food security goals and boosting local production of strategic crops.

ICBA Director General Her Excellency Dr. Tarifa Alzaabi described the event as an important milestone in translating the objectives of the national initiative into practical agricultural solutions.

“Millets Harvest Day underscores the environmental significance of crops such as millet, which can contribute to more resilient agricultural systems in arid and saline environments,” she said. “Through research and field trials, ICBA continues to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical implementation while supporting farmers with evidence-based agricultural solutions.”

The event program included presentations on the objectives of the national initiative, educational sessions highlighting the nutritional and environmental benefits of millets, and an overview of ICBA’s ongoing research and field trials. Participants also took part in a live millet harvesting activity during a guided field visit.

Millets have emerged as one of the key crops promoted under the initiative due to their strong resilience to climate-related challenges. In addition to their ability to thrive under drought, heat, and saline conditions, millets offer significant nutritional benefits, containing approximately 7–12 percent protein and serving as a rich source of iron, zinc, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Farmers attending the event welcomed the opportunity to observe millet cultivation firsthand, noting that the experience provided valuable insight into the crop’s potential and strengthened the connection between scientific research and practical farming needs.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of ICBA’s “Resilience” prototype, designed to demonstrate how climate-smart crops can contribute to sustainable food systems. Visitors were introduced to millet-based food products including millet milk, millet muffins, and millet cookies, and were given the opportunity to sample the products while learning about their nutritional value and commercial potential.

The showcase reflected ICBA’s broader strategy of connecting research with real-world applications and demonstrating how climate-resilient crops can support food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in arid and saline environments.

Through initiatives such as Millets Harvest Day, ICBA continues to reinforce its role as a leading scientific and technical partner in advancing climate-smart agriculture, developing sustainable farming solutions, and building more resilient food systems across the UAE and the wider region.