Sharjah: Dr Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of Department of Agriculture and Livestock (SDAL) and CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment (EKTIFA), highlighted the UAE’s achievements in food security, emphasising the integrated and proactive measures implemented under the UAE Food Security Council.

Integrated food security network

Dr Al Tunaiji explained that both the Department and EKTIFA operate within a fully coordinated system alongside other federal bodies, including the Ministries of Industry and Advanced Technology, Economy and Tourism, and Environment and Climate Change. This collaboration ensures the management of strategic food reserves and readiness to maintain supply chain continuity under all circumstances.

Production milestones and expansion plans

He noted that current production includes 130,000 litres of dairy per day and 7,000 poultry birds per day, with targets to increase dairy to 300,000 litres and poultry to 16,000–26,000 birds per day by 2029. Additional land has been allocated for these expansions, supporting the goal of serving more than one million people across the UAE.

New products and market initiatives

Al Tunaiji outlined plans to introduce 140 new food products over the next two years, including dairy items, butter, cheeses, baked goods, organic produce, and specialty products like protein milk containing 43% natural protein and Greek yogurt. He emphasized that organic food prices are being kept low to ensure accessibility to all consumers.

Infrastructure development

The EKTIFA system includes factories for cheese, butter, ghee, ketchup, tomato paste, and jams, all using inputs produced locally under a circular economy model. The slaughterhouse, poultry processing plant, and feed mill are in final stages and expected to begin operations by May next year, significantly increasing production capacity.

Hasad project: Contract farming for market stability

The “Hasad” initiative organises contract farming in collaboration with local farmers, retail outlets, and restaurants. Its goal is to regulate distribution, diversify vegetable types in the market, and prevent oversupply of single products, ensuring stable pricing and fair returns for farmers.

Ghiras system: Sustainable organic farming

The “Ghiras” system provides daily supplies of seasonal fruits and vegetables grown locally, adhering to strict health and environmental standards. Products are packaged and distributed efficiently through the supply chain, ensuring quality and safety for consumers.

Proactive preparedness and strategic reserves

Dr Al Tunaiji stressed the UAE’s proactive approach, noting that strategic reserves currently cover six months of raw materials and animal feed. These measures have successfully safeguarded the nation during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and regional droughts, reflecting a robust and resilient food security system.