UAE potato farmers want to triple local production

Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (FSC) aims to triple the quantity of locally produced potatoes to nearly 2,500 tonnes this year from less than 900 tonnes last year, on 45 farms in the Western Region, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.

“We harvested 1,200 tonnes of potatoes so far this year, and for next year we plan to increase it to 3,500 tonnes a year,” said Martin Aguirre, commercial and operations director of the FSC.

The 2012-2013 growing season marks the third year of an FSC programme in which potato seeds are distributed to farmers under a credit agreement that allows them to pay after the crops have been sold.

“It’s long journey in such a hot and humid climate but in the coming years the centre targets to greatly ensure its food security,” The National daily quoted him as saying.

“The FSC imparts all logistical supports as well as promotes the marketing, but there is not enough support for the local retailers, even though it’s a superior quality.

“I want the consumer to be aware of the local produce and its quality versus the imported vegetables.” “The quality we’re seeing from local farmers is easily as good as but usually better than these imports,” said Chris Hirst, chief executive of the FSC.

Source: The Gulf Today