54M acacia seeds to be distributed

DUBAI — The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCAE) will distribute nearly 54 million free acacia seeds (1,400kg) to the public starting from April 8. The move is aimed to promote the number of these trees given their high importance to agriculture and beekeeping.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said: “The UAE’s Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, put great emphasis on agriculture as a pillar of development, when he articulated ‘Give me agriculture and I will give you civilisation’. This initiative will promote agriculture nationwide, in line with his vision.”

The MoCCAE will provide the public with complete information on the right process for growing acacia tress from seeds. Growing acacia trees is a sixmonth process that starts with soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours, then sowing every two seeds 2cm deep in one plant pot or saucer (9cm) of peat moss while misting regularly, and placing the pots in a shady area receiving only morning sunlight.

Seedlings will be ready to be planted in their own container (5 litres) when they reach about 20cm tall. After growing to 80100cm in height, they should be placed in 20-litre containers in the sun. The potting mix should comprise 1:1 ratio of peat moss and garden soil. And finally, the Acacia shrub should be transplanted to the field, when they reach 150cm high.

Acacia trees have high drought and salt tolerance and grow in areas with annual rainfall as low as 40mm. The initiative is open to everyone. Interested individuals can contact the ministry on the toll-free number 8003050 to learn more about it.