Organic farming key to healthier environment

Organic farming is vital for a healthy and sustainable environment, said the minister for environment and water. Delivering the keynote address at a workshop regarding Integrated Agriculture systems and Organic farming on Wednesday, Dr Mohammad Saeed Al Kindi, Minister for Environment and Water said that organic farming is important considering the health and environmental advantages of organic food. Hailing the establishment of the Centre for Organic Agriculture by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Al Kindi said that a change in agricultural practices would help to reduce pollution though the use of inorganic fertilisers and pesticides. Organic agriculture practices are on the rise in the capital, he said, adding that this requires integration of the efforts of the private and public sectors. Affirming the government's strategy to encourage organic farming, Al Kindi said that UAE research in the field has come a long way. The one-day workshop was organised by Al Qudra Agriculture, part of the Al Qudra Holding LLC.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the workshop, Salah Salem Bin Omeir Al Shamsi, Chairman and Managing Director of Al Qudra Holding, said, "Though the cost of organic products may be more, they come with great health benefits. So we need to emphasise on improving awareness on advantages of organic products..." The workshop focuses on the benefits of consuming safe food products, free from harmful chemicals. Also these organic products must be certified after verification by the authorities, he said.