The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) has launched a comprehensive programme to enhance the early detection of plant diseases and agricultural pests. This initiative forms part of the emirate’s sustainable agricultural development plan and ADAFSA’s biosecurity programme, which adopts a One Health approach integrating human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
The programme aims to protect the agricultural sector from diseases and pests that threaten crops, ensuring agricultural sustainability and food security.
The programme is based on three main pillars. The first focuses on developing the capabilities of field personnel through intensive training programmes dedicated to empowering technical staff to accurately diagnose plant diseases and ensure early detection of agricultural pests. This will contribute to strengthening preventive measures and ensure crop safety.
The training incorporates advanced technologies, such as genetic sequencing for identifying plant pathogens (including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and phytoplasmas). Participants also gain expertise in epidemiological surveys, pathogen isolation methods, and learn best practices in prevention, monitoring, and control. Specialised field training further enhances practical skills in recognising plant symptoms associated with various diseases and implementing effective control strategies.
The programme aims to enhance the capabilities of professionals to handle biosecurity challenges by improving their skills in disease monitoring, risk assessment, and rapid response to environmental and agricultural crises. This proactive approach supports food security efforts across the emirate and the nation.
The initiative further seeks to foster scientific research in plant health through the preparation and publication of specialised studies. Additionally, it involves the creation of a comprehensive database documenting plant diseases within the emirate. This database will enable improved rapid-response strategies and enhance the agricultural sector’s resilience in addressing future challenges.
The second pillar involves implementing comprehensive plant disease monitoring and conducting field surveys. These efforts are designed to develop emergency response plans for prioritised pests and diseases. Meanwhile, the third pillar focuses on reviewing and updating relevant legislation and regulations to ensure they align with emerging needs and global best practices. This will enable the agricultural sector to address biosecurity challenges effectively.
Asma Abdi Mohamed, Director of the Biosecurity Affairs Division at ADAFSA, said: “Biosecurity systems are critical to sustaining the agricultural sector and bolstering food security. Biosecurity provides a comprehensive framework to address environmental and health threats to both the plant and animal sectors. It further protects natural resources from pests and epidemics, ensures the safety of agricultural products, and preserves biodiversity.
“The plant disease and pest diagnostic programme is a cornerstone for protecting the agricultural sector, reducing economic losses caused by outbreaks, and promoting sustainable production by empowering farmers to adopt the best preventive practices. The programme represents a significant step in strengthening local agricultural production and boosting its competitiveness in domestic markets.”
ADAFSA’s efforts to enhance biosecurity include implementing effective pest and disease control programmes, offering extensive awareness campaigns to farmers and industry workers, and promoting the use of biological, mechanical, and physical control methods. The authority has issued a series of guidelines to foster agricultural awareness and reinforce sustainability concepts.
Through collaboration with local and international government and private entities, ADAFSA has developed a comprehensive index for assessing plant and animal biosecurity. This index aims to enhance the biosecurity system by evaluating risks and offering innovative solutions that align with global best practices.
