Page 286 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT - MARCH 2024

3/20/24, 10:46 AM Dubai Municipality launches 'Best Homegrown Produce' competition - ESG Mena
The winners of the competition will be announced in May 2024.

Muhammad Abdul Rahman Al-Awadi, Director of Agriculture Department at Dubai Municipality, said: “Dubai Municipality is
focused on the goal of supporting community practices, which motivates both citizens and residents to produce sustainable
local agriculture. It is a pivotal factor in the efforts to ensure the sustainability of the food security system and environmental

resources. The commitment comes in support of the National Food Security Strategy goals, as well as Dubai Food Security
Strategy, which aims at improving domestic production and reducing food loss and wastage, further consolidating the

Emirate’s position as the world’s leading destination that combines aesthetic, environmental and food sustainability.”

“The Municipality offers essential facilities to implement initiatives and programs to support the success of citizens’

agricultural projects and encourage them to make use of available spaces in their gardens thus boosting proportions of the
contributions made by small-scale domestic agricultural enterprises towards Dubai’s domestic product ranges. It further aims
to improve the quality of life and happiness of the members of the society,” Al-Awadi added.

There is a one-month period to register for this competition and participants must share the details of their cultivated items,

irrigation methods, and a picture of the garden.

All kinds of owners (property or lease) with home gardens are eligible to participate in the competition, however, owners of

farmlands, members of the Supreme or Technical Committee, or other subcommittees are not.

On assessment criteria, a number of factors will be considered, including the use of organic fertilisers, the reduction of
chemical fertilisers and soil free of weeds, and ensuring the safety of plant varieties from pests and diseases through
integrated control methods.

Proper waste disposal and recycling of agricultural waste, will also be considered.

The criteria also highlight points such as:

Rationalising resource consumption of both water and electricity,
The use of solar energy,

The application of advanced irrigation systems,
The preservation of quality and hygiene, and

The recycling of irrigation water.

Elsewhere, the diversity of plants grown and the balance of plants in the garden are highlighted in the criteria to ensure

overall appearance.

In addition, the criteria set standards for the type and quality of production, maintaining the garden’s hygiene, security, and

safety measures such as guarding power lines, irrigation sockets, and service corridors within the park, and the requirement
for an innovative and unique idea.

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