Securing the future
The critical role of food security in driving economic diversification
Kashif Shamsi, Group CEO, Mawarid Holding
1. Why is food security crucial and how does it impact national stability?
Food security guarantees a consistent supply of nutritious food, which supports overall stability and enhances individual health and well-being. It boosts economic stability by allowing people to focus on productivity and improves education by enabling students to concentrate on their studies without the worry of hunger. Additionally, it contributes to poverty reduction by giving people the confidence to focus on earning a livelihood, knowing that their basic food needs are met.
2. What key initiatives has the UAE government implemented to enhance food security and how effective are they?
Historically, the UAE managed food security through global supply chains. However, the pandemic underscored the need for domestic production and self-reliance. In response, the UAE introduced the National Food Security Strategy 2051, aiming to lead the Global Food Security Index by diversifying imports, boosting local production, reducing food waste and enhancing food safety nets. Significant agricultural investments have reduced reliance on imports. The Abu Dhabi Investment Office also launched the Agrifood Growth and Water Abundance cluster (AGWA) to foster innovation and economic diversification. These efforts have increased local food production, improved our Global Food Security Index ranking and supported long-term sustainability, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to future food security challenges.
3. How does Mawarid Holding and its subsidiaries contribute to addressing the UAE’s food security goals?
For over a decade, Mawarid Holding, through our subsidiary Barari Natural Resources, has been active in agriculture, forestry, and wildlife management. We focus on sustainable agriculture, innovative agri-tech, aquaculture and water management. Our efforts include enhancing traditional agriculture, introducing controlled environment agriculture, and investing in technologies that boost production while conserving resources like water. We manage thousands of hectares, primarily growing dates and other crops and are involved in livestock breeding and local fish production.
A significant milestone for us was our AED 2.5bn partnership with Plenty from the United States, introducing cutting-edge indoor agriculture technology to the UAE and the GCC region. We are excited about technological innovations like Liquid Natural Clay (LNC), which restores degraded soil and improves water retention, and an AI-driven irrigation solution with Supplant, reducing water usage by 50% while improving plant output.
4. How is the expanding new Agtech significant in agriculture, and how is Mawarid Holding and its subsidiaries leveraging these advancements?
New Agtech is transforming agriculture, particularly in challenging environments like the UAE. We’ve invested in advancements that reverse desertification, turning desert land into fertile ground. Our AI management systems optimise water use with smart irrigation and monitoring technologies. We are utilising cutting-edge vertical farming to achieve consistent, high yields year-round on a smaller footprint. These innovations are crucial for enhancing food security in the UAE, ensuring a stable and resilient food supply for our growing population and future generations.
