In a remarkable feat of agricultural innovation, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken a significant stride towards food self-sufficiency with the successful operation of a wheat farm in the desert sands of Sharjah. This initiative is particularly noteworthy given the UAE’s historical reliance on food imports, with approximately 1.7 million tons of wheat imported annually. The farm, which began operations in 2022, is set to expand to an impressive 1,900 hectares by the end of this year, utilizing desalinated water for irrigation.
The success of this project is underpinned by the cultivation of locally adapted wheat varieties in specialized breeding fields. These varieties are specifically tailored to thrive in the UAE’s unique climate conditions, marking a major milestone in agricultural research. The farm employs a smart irrigation system equipped with ground sensors and weather stations, which monitor soil moisture in real time. This technology enables precise irrigation control, ensuring healthy crop growth even under the harsh desert conditions.
The farm’s operational efficiency is further highlighted by its minimal workforce. Only a dozen workers are required to manage the extensive 1,900-hectare farm, with irrigation and fertilization operations controlled by advanced digital systems. This not only reduces labor costs but also enhances the precision and effectiveness of agricultural practices.
Abdelaziz Hassooni, a programmer at the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Department, provided insights into the technological advancements employed. “We started planting in October till March, and within this season, as I mentioned, we have used state-of-the-art technologies. We have thermal satellite imagery, daily ones that can tell us more than 17 kinds of data that we can get out of it. For example, the soil moisture, the nitrogen in the soil, the water status of the soil and so on,” Hassooni explained. This data-driven approach allows for meticulous monitoring and management of the crops, ensuring optimal growth and yield.
The implications of this success are far-reaching. Not only will the farm supply the local market, but it also has the potential to serve as a model for desert agriculture globally. The UAE’s achievement in turning deserts into productive farmlands through smart agricultural technology could provide a valuable reference for other regions facing similar challenges. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, setting a precedent for future agricultural endeavors in arid environments.
Meanwhile, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a meeting with his Argentine counterpart Gerardo Werthein on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, emphasized China’s readiness to elevate its bilateral relations with Argentina. Wang highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and the importance of their equal and mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted that the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Argentine President Javier Milei last year laid a strong foundation for future collaboration. Wang also reiterated China’s commitment to multilateralism and its willingness to work with Latin American countries to safeguard international rule of law and the basic norms of international relations. Werthein, in response, expressed Argentina’s appreciation for China’s support and its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting Latin America-China cooperation.
