SHARJAH: Experts at the 7th Sharjah Investment Forum (SIF 2024), taking place on 18th-19th September, discussed the importance of smart solutions and their role in ensuring food security, highlighting that innovative agricultural technologies can transform production and reduce dependency on imports.
This discussion took place during a session titled ‘Enhancing Food Security Through Smart Solutions’ as part of the forum’s seventh edition of the Sharjah Investment Forum, which is organised by the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah) at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah, under the theme ‘Future Visions for Smart Economies’.
The session featured speakers including Dr. Khalifa Alteneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah; Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa); Hamed Al Hamed, Founder and CEO of Gracia Group, and Ahmed Hammoud, UAE General Manager of Alesca Technologies, an agritech company focused on vertical farms and prec
ision agriculture solutions.
Dr. Alteneiji shared Sharjah’s success in wheat production as an example of how smart solutions can enhance food security. He noted, ‘We were once heavily reliant on imports, but today, thanks to advanced technology, we have surpassed global standards by producing wheat locally. Our wheat is heat-resistant, high-yield, high in protein, and consumes less water – proving that sustainable solutions can thrive even in challenging climates.’
He also cited Brazil’s success in achieving 80 percent self-sufficiency in wheat production in 2022-23, emphasising that similar efforts in the UAE are crucial for overcoming environmental challenges and securing long-term food security.
Sara Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted the role of entrepreneurship in advancing smart solutions for food security. ‘At Sheraa, we have incubated over 180 ventures, with more than 20 focused on sustainable agriculture and irrigation technologies. We are actively supporting these innovators with investments a
nd creating networks to help them grow.’ She also emphasised Sheraa’s commitment to attracting international agritech companies to the UAE, providing opportunities to relocate and scale their solutions within the region. Al Nuaimi expressed optimism about the future, referring to the National Strategy for Food Security, which aims to make the UAE the world’s best in the Global Food Security Index by 2051, with a key objective of 50 percent local production.
Hamed Al Hamed of Gracia Group discussed the company’s homegrown solutions for addressing the region’s agricultural challenges. ‘Gracia Group was born out of the need to find solutions for water scarcity and difficult farming conditions. We have developed integrated systems that cater to the UAE’s unique environment, from advanced irrigation techniques to sustainable crop management.’
He also stressed the importance of creating local solutions tailored to the UAE’s needs, noting, ‘We can either import technology or create our own, adapting it to suit loc
al needs and environment. That is what we are doing to ensure food security from within.’
Ahmed Hammoud of Alesca Technologies discussed the potential of vertical farming in reshaping sustainable agriculture. He explained, ‘Since 2013, we have been working on perfecting vertical farming solutions that can be integrated into urban settings, reducing the carbon footprint and providing fresh produce directly to residents.’
Hammoud highlighted the efficiency of smart technologies in reducing costs and enhancing profitability. ‘Our farms, located in places like Sharjah Sustainable City, are fully automated and can be managed remotely. This allows fresh fruits and vegetables to be grown in the heart of urban communities, redefining farm-to-table with minimal environmental impact.’
Source: Emirates News Agency