The number of hydroponic farms has multiplied by 20 in the Emirates

In the Middle East, agricultural production is low due in part to limited arable land and water scarcity. Food imports are important and to limit them, the countries of the region are making significant investments to stimulate local agricultural production.

 

To stimulate local production many countries encourage their farmers to adopt innovative agricultural technologies.

 

Last year, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office invested USD 100 million in 4 agritech companies that are building research facilities and production centers in the emirate. Dubai launched the Food Tech Valley, with research facilities, an innovation center, a smart food logistics center and spaces for vertical agriculture. Thanks to these efforts, the number of hydroponic farms in the United Arab Emirates has increased by 20 times, from 50 in 2009 to 1,000 today.

 

Saudi Arabia, in 2020, spent $ 665 million to help local farmers boost agricultural production through hydroponics which uses 90% less water than traditional farming methods.

 

Advances in agricultural technology allow greater productivity. Previous crises and the pandemic have shown policymakers the value of supporting farmers to stimulate local production in order to improve self-sufficiency and food security.

 

Hydroponics is the cultivation of plants by the action of water, most often on a neutral and inert substrate (such as sand, pozzolana, clay balls, rock wool etc.), replacing traditional ground. This substrate is regularly irrigated by water or by a liquid current which brings mineral salts and essential nutrients to the plant.

 

source : arabnews.com, wikipedia.org