Sharjah Agriculture Honoured with FAO Award

Sharjah: The Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah has been awarded the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Award for Best Practices in the Field of Plant Production and Sustainable Plant Protection. This recognition highlights the department's innovative wheat cultivation practices in the Meliha region, underscoring the role of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates in promoting climate-resilient food systems. According to Emirates News Agency, Dr Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Tenaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of the Sharjah Establishment for Agricultural and Livestock Production "EKTIFA", received the certificate during the FAO Global Technical Award Ceremony held in Rome. The event was part of the 2025 World Food Forum and the FAO's 80th-anniversary celebrations, reaffirming Sharjah's commitment to sustainable agricultural systems that integrate modern technologies. This year, the FAO evaluated 271 nominations from 52 countries, select ing 39 initiatives globally, with eight receiving honours at the FAO headquarters. Sharjah's recognition as a leader in sustainable agricultural innovation highlights its pioneering role and the UAE's contribution to supporting sustainable development regionally and globally. Khalifa Musabeh Al Tenaiji expressed pride in receiving this global recognition, emphasizing Sharjah's commitment to building a sustainable agricultural sector through smart technologies that enhance food security and support the UAE's agricultural development goals. He highlighted the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in transforming barren lands into premier organic wheat farms in the Middle East. He reiterated that this achievement aligns with national and international strategies focused on improved production, enhanced nutrition, a healthier environment, and a better quality of life, reflecting the theme of World Food Day 2025: 'Hand in hand for better food and a better future.' He emphas ized the importance of innovation and technical excellence in driving sustainable agricultural systems. Dr Abdulhakim Elwaer, Assistant Director-General of the FAO and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, praised Sharjah's efforts, noting how the wheat farm in Meliha demonstrates the impact of innovation and modern technologies on agricultural performance in arid environments. He stressed the importance of these efforts in improving efficiency, protecting plant health, and contributing to food security. The Government of Sharjah's recognition for its sustainable wheat farming practices in Meliha reflects its strategic focus on advancing agriculture in arid regions. The initiative has reclaimed approximately 1,900 hectares using advanced irrigation systems, high-quality organic seeds, and data-driven management techniques, addressing challenges such as water-use efficiency, soil and plant health, and biodiversity conservation.