Using agricultural technology to enhance national food security in the UAE
Domestic food production is essential for ensuring long-term food security. In the United Arab Emirates, 38,000 local farms generate over 20% of the country’s demand for fresh produce. This is despite the challenges that farmers face due to the country’s arid climate and the scarcity of water resources. In 2022, the UAE was the 22nd food importer worldwide and aims to ensure that 100% of fresh produce demand is met locally by 2030. Efforts include continued support to established crop production, including dates, and increasing other production, such as wheat and fish farming. Water-efficient and vertical farming methods are employed to produce organic fruits and vegetables for commercial sale.
Agricultural innovation is also taking place in the private sector. AgriTech firm Agritek leverages smart and green technology to support farmers in increasing their growth and productivity and enhancing the sustainability of their farming practices. Agritek’s ten solutions are customized to the needs of the client and include those aiming to increase crop productivity, such as greenhouses and plant nurseries, supplying nutrients and fertilizers for soil, providing seasonal seeds, and plant protection. Agritek also supports farmers to manage scarce water resources through the provision of irrigation systems and desalination services. The company offers climate control systems to decrease the variability of crop production, facility management services covering the planning, direction, and coordination of farm operations, and training services for farmers.
Founded in Abu Dhabi, Agritek offers its services both internationally and within the UAE. Agritek has been especially valuable in the context of the UAE’s efforts to expand desert farming practices. In July 2024, Mordor Intelligence estimated that the UAE agriculture market would grow to US$4.09 billion by 2029 from a current estimated US$3.31 billion. In 2023, Agritek and Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based fresh food and agritech company, signed a major agreement to employ Agritek’s innovations in Silal’s farm upgrade efforts, supporting farmers to increase the volume of their produce and minimize their dependence on imports. Other countries in which Agritek has supported farmers include Oman and Uzbekistan. Across geographies, the company has developed over 800 hectares of farms, supporting both public and private sector projects and establishing partnerships with stakeholders across the agricultural value chain.
Innovations such as those offered by Agritek are crucial to the development of agriculture sectors in climate-vulnerable regions. By employing innovative technologies to mitigate the risks of climate change, ensure quality harvests, and improve the tools and practices employed by farmers, Agritek is supporting the efforts of the UAE and other countries in which it operates to reach self-sufficiency in food production and improve food security.
