Dubai: The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) has held an advanced training workshop on aerial spraying techniques to combat the Desert Locust threat.
Organized in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA), the National Centre for Meteorology, and the FAO’s Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region, the training aimed to bolster national expertise in sustainable pest management.
The workshop focused on equipping UAE professionals with cutting-edge knowledge and skills in using modern spraying machines and tools. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s wider goals of fostering a skilled workforce capable of managing agricultural pests, ultimately supporting national sustainability objectives and food security efforts.
His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, emphasized that, “The ‘Plant the Emirates’ National Program and the National Agricultural Centre signify a new chapter in agricultural expansion, supporting farmers in enhancing crop yields.”
HE Eng. Ahmed Khalid Othman, Deputy Director-General of ADAFSA for Operational Affairs, highlighted the Desert Locust’s threat to food security, stressing that collaboration between MOCCAE and FAO is key to protecting agriculture and supporting future investments.
Dr. Mamoon Al-Alawi, Executive Secretary of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in the Central Region, described that, “This workshop offers a thorough understanding of locust biology, ecology, and effective control measures.”
The training empowered participants to safely handle pesticides for aerial spraying, enhancing both environmental and personal safety. It also certified local farmers to conduct aerial spraying operations as needed, fortifying the UAE’s resilience against locust invasions and reinforcing national food security measures.