UAE Advances Sustainable Agriculture

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known for its vast deserts and arid climate, but the country is taking a proactive approach to sustainable agriculture. With the help of modern technology, the UAE is making strides towards food self-sufficiency and reducing its carbon footprint.

One of the innovative techniques being used is hydroponics, which allows for the cultivation of plants using water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil. According to the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCE), hydroponic farms can produce one kilo of lettuce using only about 20 litres of water, with water being recycled instead of being drained into the soil. This method not only saves water, but also produces pesticide-free crops.

Furthermore, these modern farms are often located in or near urban areas, reducing the distance that food has to travel to reach consumers and thereby cutting back on the carbon footprint of transportation.

The UAE's sustainable agriculture journey began several years ago, and today the country is reaping the benefits of its efforts. Recently, Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, personally witnessed the harvest of protein-enriched wheat at a 400-hectare farm in Maliha. The seeds were sown in November 30 of last year, and the harvest is expected to yield 15,200 tonnes of wheat, reducing the emirate's dependence on imported wheat.

Last month, the world's largest indoor vertical farm for research and development, AeroFarms AgX, opened in Abu Dhabi's Mussafah industrial area. While the vegetables produced are not for consumption, they are used by scientists, researchers, and engineers to find the "proper algorithms for a perfect growth, and solutions for the industry." The facility is also used to study producing chemical and pesticide-free food in arid and desert environments.

The UAE's commitment to sustainable agriculture is commendable, and other countries can learn from its efforts to utilize modern technology to address food security and sustainability challenges. By implementing innovative techniques like hydroponics and investing in research and development, the UAE is taking steps towards a more sustainable and self-sufficient future.

External Link:

Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MoCCE)