Abu Dhabi has recorded an 8 per cent annual increase in the production of vegetables, despite the numerous difficulties faced by the agricultural industry, said a report.

The information issued by the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi, SCAD, showed that the UAE capital achieved a production increase of 32 per cent between 2012 and 2016, surging from 58,874 tonnes to 78,114 tonnes during that period, reported state news agency Wam.

The data highlights the success achieved by the emirate, despite the tough climate conditions, drought, scarcity of rainfall, and high temperatures throughout the year.

The surge in the local production of fresh vegetables represents a key part of Abu Dhabi’s strategy to promote food security.

The Abu Dhabi Farmers' Services Centre, ADFSC, and the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, ADFCA, are the two main authorities that launched these initiatives, where considerable efforts were made to raise farmer's awareness, increase the level of production, and ensure the competitiveness of local produce against imported products, in terms of quality and quantity.

The data reflects the success of initiatives launched in the agriculture and food production sector, aim to increase local production and raise performance, in order to fulfil the needs of the market, added the report.