UAE aims for food security

Web Desk

The UAE launched a National System for Sustainable Agriculture and Label to enhance the food security and preserve the country’s natural resources for future generations. This was announced at a meeting of the UAE Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The UAE Sustainable Agriculture System, the first of its kind, aims to increase the nation’s self-sufficiency from agricultural production and increase the workforce in the agricultural sector. It seeks to invest in agriculture by utilising modern technologies, and make proactive changes in food and agricultural systems.
It utilises artificial intelligence and block chain technologies. Smart phone applications will be used to help farmers monitor insect movement. Other tools are used to damage the fertility of insects.
The system also seeks to achieve several economic, social and environmental objectives, including increasing the self-sufficiency rates of targeted agricultural crops by 5 percent annually, increase the labour force by 5 per cent annually, and ration the use of water in production by 15 percent annually.
The system is developed by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology (ESMA) along with its strategic partners.
“The innovative system is aimed to ensure self-sufficiency in agricultural production, increase the economic return of the agriculture sector and promote investment in agro-industry,” said Abdullah Abdul Qader Al Maeeni, Director General of ESMA. It addresses the challenges faced by the UAE food security, including water scarcity, climate change, population growth, growing demand for food, and malnutrition, he added.
He informed that the system has utilised statistical research issued by various international sources, including the World Bank and the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation.