Future of food security? UAE seeks to reduce import reliance with crop growing projects

Published 2020년 8월 26일

Tridge summary

The UAE's Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and South Korea's Rural Development Administration (RDA) have embarked on a unique research project to cultivate more varieties of rice under the most challenging conditions. This follows a successful pilot phase where Japonica and Indica rice varieties were sown and harvested, selected for their tolerance to heat, salinity, and poor conditions. The research, located at the MOCCAE’s research center in Al Dhaid, Sharjah, aims to include basmati rice and other varieties starting in Q4 2020. This collaboration is part of a broader memorandum of understanding covering several agricultural research areas, including closed-loop farming systems, pest control, and vegetable production. The harvested rice will only be used commercially after testing for compliance with standard specifications. This initiative is crucial for adapting to climate change and ensuring food security, despite the current economic challenges.

Disclaimer:The above summary was generated by Tridge's proprietary AI model for informational purposes.

Original content

Among the crops being tested include quinoa, barley, wheat, and most recently rice. UAE’s Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and South Korea’s Rural Development Administration (RDA) is working on sowing more varieties of rice in the first-of-its kind rice cultivation research project between the two countries. This follows a successful pilot phase where Japonica and Indica rice varieties were sowed in November 2019 and harvested in May this year. These rice varieties were chosen for their ability to tolerate heat, salinity and poor conditions. The next step of the research project will include other varieties including basmati and slated to start in Q4 2020. It will be grown at the MOCCAE’s research center in Al Dhaid, Sharjah. Mohamed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Agriculture Development and Health Department at UAE’s MOCCAE told FoodNavigator-Asia that UAE mostly imports its rice from India, China, Egypt, and USA. He said UAE had limited natural water resources ...

Source: Food Navigator Asia