Sharjah: Drones, hydroponics to boost UAE food security

Sharjah - Research also looking into aquaponics, artificial intelligence and big data

A research hub is looking at AI (Artificial Intelligence), drones and big data, alongside other new-age, to help the UAE achieve its national food security vision.

The Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) has been researching innovative technologies such as hydroponics and aquaponics and using seawater to grow food as it seeks to help the country and the region achieve food security.

"We have been harnessing technology for agricultural production and food security," said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park. "We have developed hydroponics, and also have a 150-square-metre aquaponics farm (combination of raising fish and cultivating plants in tanks) called Merlin Agrotunnel, that can produce over one tonne of organic vegetables and fruit every month."

Al Mahmoudi said the SRTI Park is a hub for researchers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and industry experts who develop solutions that can shape food production, not only in the UAE but also regionally and globally.

"Research and further development of farming methods agricultural technology will definitely accelerate the sector's growth. We can also use AI and big data to boost agricultural production. We can use drones to map out plants suitable on outdoor farms to save resources," he continued.

Talking about hydroponics, Al Mahmoudi said: "It involves a rather large cost in the beginning, but it significantly reduces the consumption of water – by about 70 per cent – and uses less or no fertilisers, which makes it perfect to grow food in a desert environment with less agricultural space and far less water resources."

Aquaponics, he explained, is a form of agriculture that combines raising fish in tanks with soilless plant culture (hydroponics). The nutrient-rich water from raising fish provides a natural fertiliser for the plants, and the plants help to purify the water for the fish.

Indoor farming, Al Mahmoudi said, eliminates extreme outdoor temperatures and makes particular sense in our desert environment. "We use very little water – about 90 per cent less than conventional farming – and because it is aquaponics, we also produce fresh fish along with a range of vegetables and fruits."

The water used to irrigate the fruit and vegetables is seawater, desalinated through solar energy, thus completing the development of an integrated system ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.

Sustainable food in a land-scarce environment

afkar@khaleejtimes.com