H.E. Sultan Bin Alwan Al Habsi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment’s Region Sector, recently inaugurated the Top Livestock Festival, an annual event organized by the Ministry at Al Bareer area in Sharjah. The three-day long festival witnessed the participation of over 150 leading breeders of sheep and goats from the UAE.

The Top Livestock Festival is part of the Ministry’s strategy to sustain the domestic production and develop the community of livestock breeders and local farmers. This will have a positive impact on marketing of local agricultural and livestock products.

 H.E. Bin Alwan stated that the Festival aims to encourage livestock breeders in the UAE by supporting their role in developing this sector and advising them on the veterinary services provided by the Ministry, contributing in increasing the country’s rate of biosecurity. In addition, events such as the Top Livestock Festival will strengthen the national identity through the display of traditional and cultural heritage of the people of the UAE.

 Adding further, H.E. Bin Alwan said that the Ministry’s sponsorship for such festivals is in line with its strategy to develop the local livestock sector and increase its contribution to the food security through the introduction of special breeds to produce more meat and milk as well as provision of services. In addition, it continues to launch initiatives directed to livestock breeders, including Halalna Initiative that provides free treatment, immunization and veterinarian guidance services via a specialized veterinarian doctors and technicians at livestock breeders centers.

 The Top Livestock Festival featured a variety of events, including an auction for the best breeds of sheep and goats, sale of animal, and organizing markets for livestock breeding community. The Ministry also provided a team of veterinarians to conduct health checks on the animals in the festival, and educate the breeders and participants on animal health issues.