Al-Furaih: Agricultural Projects Need Study and Modernization

Agricultural expert Mohammed Al-Fraih emphasized that some of the tenders currently being issued by the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries are not in line with global technological advancements in agriculture, crop production, and plant cultivation at farms, nurseries, and greenhouses. Al-Fraih told Al-Qabas that the Agriculture Authority recently issued a tender to rehabilitate 36 structures, including greenhouses, tunnels, and agricultural sheds, at its nurseries in Al-Omariya and Doha. He noted that upon inspecting these facilities, it became clear they have been in place for many years and are considered unfeasible or uneconomical projects. Al-Fraih pointed out that, unlike a specific number of advanced projects at the Agriculture Authority, some projects require further study, particularly since some of the facilities where projects are located are considered obsolete and should not be maintained. He also emphasized the need to study the establishment of modern and advanced projects to ensure better production and reduced water and electricity consumption. He highlighted the need to leverage the expertise of the Dubai Municipality in establishing a 100,000-square-meter nursery that produces approximately 200 million seedlings of flowers and ornamental plants to beautify the Emirate of Dubai, with the surplus sold to residents there. He highlighted the importance of replicating the Badia project, the region’s first state-of-the-art vertical farm located in Dubai, noting that it uses modern techniques to conserve water through vertical farming, It also produces pesticide-free vegetables without the need for sunlight, soil, or any chemicals, explaining that production takes place on shelves at a height of 6 meters or more.