UAE farmers urged to use new technologies

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment calls on farmers to use efficient agricultural technologies and adopt resilient practices for better yield amid climate change, according to news in fooddubai.com.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment said the agricultural sector should produce the right crops and also know and understand the technologies available to them. Doing so would result in higher food production and reduce carbon footprint. The Ministry supports the agricultural sector, and its experts conduct training.

Among the technologies already in use is hydroponics that brings water usage down to 10% compared to usual farming. Hydroponics is ideal to use in places such as the UAE where arable land is limited. According to Dr Thani, this technology enables higher vegetable and herb yields at shorter time.

UAE imports some 85% of its food requirements. According to the report, the UAE’s importation is set to rise from $100 billion in 2014 to $400 billion in 2025.