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Summary

The UAE's journey towards food security began in the 1970s under Sheikh Zayed's vision of transforming the harsh desert environment into thriving agricultural lands. Despite limited resources, the nation embraced modern farming techniques, including advanced irrigation and greenhouse farming. Over the years, the country successfully produced a wide range of local crops, including rice, and improved water management, becoming the world's second-largest producer of desalinated water. By focusing on sustainable agriculture and fisheries, the UAE has become a leader in food security, reaching the 11th spot on the global food security index and aiming for the top position by 2051.

Takeaways

• 😀 The UAE's journey from a harsh desert environment to a thriving oasis symbolizes its success in achieving food security.
• 😀 In the 1970s, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan began an ambitious agricultural project to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
• 😀 Despite limited resources, Sheikh Zayed remained determined to challenge the desert and used advanced farming techniques, including irrigation systems and modern fertilizers.
• 😀 The UAE invested in creating plastic greenhouses, importing quality seeds, and educating the public about the importance of agriculture.
• 😀 Within a few years, the project bore fruit, resulting in vast green lands and successful local production of over 70 types of fruits and vegetables.
• 😀 The number of farms in the UAE grew significantly from 4,000 in 1971 to more than 35,000 farms today.
• 😀 The UAE even succeeded in cultivating crops like rice in its desert environment, proving the potential for agricultural diversity.
• 😀 To conserve water, 91% of the UAE's agricultural sector adopted modern irrigation techniques, such as closed-loop farming systems and vertical farming.
• 😀 Water security became a priority, with the UAE becoming the second-largest producer of desalinated water globally through 70 major desalination plants.
• 😀 The UAE's fishery sector contributes significantly to the local economy and food supply, with fish farming producing 3,255 tons annually as of 2019.
• 😀 The UAE ranks 21st globally in the Food Security Index, with a focus on affordability, availability, and quality of food, aiming to reach the top position by 2051.

Q & A

What was Sheikh Zayed's vision for the agricultural development of the UAE?

Sheikh Zayed envisioned transforming the UAE's desert landscape into fertile, productive land capable of achieving food self-sufficiency. Despite limited resources, he believed it was possible to overcome the challenges of the harsh desert environment.

How did Sheikh Zayed address the challenges of agriculture in the UAE's desert environment?

Sheikh Zayed utilized the latest agricultural techniques, including soil preparation, irrigation systems, and the use of high-quality fertilizers. He also introduced plastic houses, imported seedlings, and raised public awareness about the importance of agriculture.

What impact did the agricultural project have on the UAE over time?

Over time, the agricultural project led to the growth of over 35,000 farms, a significant increase from 4,000 farms in 1971. The project also resulted in local production of over 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and the UAE became capable of producing crops that were once considered impossible in its desert environment.

What role did modern irrigation systems play in UAE agriculture?

Modern irrigation systems played a key role in improving agricultural efficiency in the UAE. By 91% of farms using modern irrigation techniques, the country was able to conserve water and enhance crop production in the harsh desert environment.

How did the UAE ensure water availability for agriculture?

The UAE invested in water desalination technology, making it the second-largest producer of desalinated water in the world. The country also adopted advanced farming techniques like vertical farming and greenhouse cultivation, which are more water-efficient.

What role did fish farming and local fishing play in the UAE's food security?

Fishing and fish farming have been integral to the UAE's food security. Local fishing activities contribute around 29% of the UAE's fish consumption, while fish farms produced over 3,000 tons of fish annually by 2019.

What was the UAE's position on the Global Food Security Index, and what criteria were used to measure this?

The UAE ranked 21st globally on the Global Food Security Index, based on three key criteria: affordability, availability, and the quality and safety of food.

How did the UAE respond to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic regarding food security?

Despite the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the UAE successfully maintained its food supply chains, ensuring that food and medicine remained available without interruption, highlighting the country’s resilience in ensuring food security.

What technological innovations has the UAE employed in agriculture to reduce water usage?

The UAE has adopted cutting-edge agricultural technologies such as vertical farming and greenhouse systems, which use up to 95% less water compared to traditional farming methods.

What was Sheikh Zayed's contribution to the UAE's agricultural growth in terms of public involvement?

Sheikh Zayed not only implemented technological innovations but also encouraged public involvement by providing free land and resources to citizens, ensuring widespread participation in agricultural development.