The Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Security Authority (ADAFSA) Data Platform, introduced under the direction and support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ADAFSA, will serve as a key instrument to help guide policymakers in decisions related to food security and agriculture.

The platform aggregates comprehensive data points taken all throughout the food system, including production, distribution, and consumption, to empower policymakers and enhance the sustainability and flexibility of the country’s food system. In response to the launch of the platform, agriculture expert and Founder and Chairman of Gracia Group, Hamed Al-Hamed, told Aletihad that the technology will undoubtedly be beneficial, as a robust database is pivotal in addressing various challenges.

Al-Hamed also highlighted the platform’s role in facilitating communication among farmers, stating: “The platform helps farmers discover the best practices in agriculture by facilitating communication. The transfer of knowledge is crucial, and the support provided by the government in these areas will have a significant impact on agricultural progress.”

Touching on the importance of precision in data, he noted that the accuracy of the information will help farmers make more informed decisions.

Accurate data analysis is instrumental in the agricultural sector, he added, noting that precise information is a critical compoent of understanding consumption, product types, and classifications for both producers and consumers.

“Everyone will realise the extent of the volume of work that exists today and the capabilities of the people involved. This, in turn, will highlight the hard-working and prominent individuals in this sector through clear numbers and measurement indicators, enabling agencies to communicate with them directly,” Al-Hamed added.

Furthermore, he noted that the platform fosters competitiveness by expanding agriculture beyond production, to include tourism, training, and other revenue-generating activities, in addition to providing clear insights of the market in real time.

“I believe this platform will be most valuable for tracking production and consumption. With many farms growing the same varieties, products can flood the market, driving prices down. By providing insights into agricultural types, timings, and consumption patterns, the platform helps manage supply and demand more effectively,” he said.

“Our leadership has taught us to fully contribute to agricultural work by making the Emirates a leader in agriculture. Our progress now reflects a new professional standard in the sector.”

Al-Hamed also said that agriculture’s impact extends beyond farmers, reaching all members of society, and urged consumers to support local agricultural products.

Aletihad