The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) today announced the launch of the page ‘My Sustainable Farm Portal’ on its website. The move marks the completion of the first of a three-phase project to automate the provision of agricultural and veterinary support services to crop and animal farmers and thereby eliminate the need for them to visit the Ministry’s centers to apply for these services.

Phase one seeks to educate the target segments about modern agricultural practices to increase production and ensure food safety. The My Sustainable Farm Portal includes four components – agricultural manuals, agricultural guidance services, veterinary guidance services, and agricultural calendars.

The agricultural manuals offer ample information on farming methods and crops suitable for the local environment, as well as animal breeding processes that comply with the highest international welfare standards. Meanwhile, users who request agricultural or veterinary guidance services receive visits from agricultural engineers, veterinarians, or other service providers, as required. Finally, the agricultural calendar specifies the growing seasons for various crops depending on the local climatic conditions.

Speaking on the project, His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “In his Letter of the New Season, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, pointed out that the right place for officials is on the field in the midst of the action. He wants to see us among the public to help us understand their needs and make sure we work towards fulfilling them. In line with his message, we aim to bring our services closer to our customers.”

He added: “Once complete, the My Sustainable Farm Portal will provide an integrated database for the crop and animal farming sectors, and help us develop analytical reports that inform future planning and decision making.”

Users can access the webpage at https://www.moccae.gov.ae/en/our-services/services-for-individuals/agriculture-guidance.aspx or through the announcements banner on the Ministry’s homepage.

MOCCAE is currently working on phase two of the project, set for completion in Q1 2020, that will make the same services available to farmers via a dedicated mobile app. Users will also be able to access their transaction history with the Ministry, such as their requests for subsidized inputs or guidance, their status, application dates, and costs incurred.

Phase three of the project, scheduled to go live in Q2 2020, will automate the overall support process, including e-tracking the visits of MOCCAE officials to farms and the submission of visit reports.