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A research center is studying artificial intelligence (artificial intelligence), drones and big data, and other new eras to help the UAE achieve its national food security vision.
Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTI Park) Research on innovative technologies such as hydroponics Fish and vegetable symbiosis and the use of sea water to grow food to help the country and the region achieve food security.
“We have been using technology to promote agricultural production and food security,” said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park. “We have developed hydroponics, and there is a 150-square-meter hydroponic farm (a combination of fish farming and planting in a tank) called Merlin Agrotunnel, which can produce more than one ton of organic vegetables and fruits per month.”
Al Mahmoudi said that 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.
“The research and further development of agricultural technology will definitely accelerate the growth of the industry. We can also use artificial intelligence and big data to promote agricultural production. We can use drones to map plants suitable for outdoor farms to save resources,” he continued. .
Speaking of hydroponics, Al Mahmoudi said: “It involves considerable costs in the beginning, but it significantly reduces water consumption-about 70%-and uses less or no fertilizers, which makes it very suitable for use in a In the desert environment, there is less space for agriculture and much less water resources.”
He explained that fish-vegetable symbiosis is a form of agriculture that combines fish culture in tanks with soilless plant cultivation (hydroponics). The nutrient-rich water produced by fish farming provides natural fertilizers for plants, and plants help fish to purify water.
Al Mahmoudi said that indoor agriculture eliminates extreme outdoor temperatures and is particularly meaningful in our desert environment. “We use very little water-about 90% less than traditional agriculture-and because it is a symbiosis of fish and vegetables, we also produce fresh fish and a range of vegetables and fruits.”
The water used to irrigate fruits and vegetables is seawater, which is desalinated by solar energy, thus completing the development of an integrated system that ensures the sustainability of natural resources.
Sustainable food in a land scarce environment
Al Mahmoudi said that a team of botanists, agriculturists and engineers from Merlin International has been conducting research to develop soilless vertical planting (farming) technology, which is an ideal way to produce sustainable food in an environment where land is scarce.
“This agricultural system in SRTI Park is one of the ways to solve the problems of agriculture and food production. Agricultural tunnels can be combined into multiple units to create a commercial farm that provides fresh organic produce to multiple families every day,” he said.
“Agricultural tunnels can work in any environment and weather conditions-even in the desert. We use advanced cooling technology, can use solar energy, and can collect water from the ocean or the air,” he added.
Al Mahmoudi emphasized: “The hot summers, desert landscapes and insufficient rainfall are the main challenges facing agricultural activities in the UAE. The coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted concerns about disruptions in the global food supply chain. But we have the technology to promote local agricultural development and promote agriculture Innovation.”
He further explained: “By focusing on research and development of advanced agricultural technologies, we can definitely overcome challenges. For example, we can enhance the water retention of soil and allow us to better manage water resources.”
“We can explain to local farmers how to best handle crops and maximize yield. We can teach them hydroponics and hydroponics. We should also promote vertical agriculture to control the amount of water needed. This type of agriculture also uses Artificial light is used as a substitute for sunlight.”
“We want to grow more plants and learn how to grow them better. We want to invite farmers, agribusiness investors, start-ups and anyone interested in this important field to cooperate with SRTI Park and advance our agricultural technology ,” concluded Mahmoud.
afkar@khaleejtimes.com
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