Abu dhabi: Silal, a prominent agri-food and technology firm in Abu Dhabi, has announced its expansion into the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah through a partnership with the National Agricultural Centre. This strategic move is aimed at broadening Silal's impact across the UAE, supporting local farmers, enhancing the marketing of Emirati agricultural products, and improving market accessibility.
According to Emirates News Agency, the collaboration will begin with a focus on the Al Hamraniyah area of Ras Al Khaimah, where Silal will start engaging with local farms from March 9th. The objective is to bolster the agricultural production ecosystem, thereby enabling farmers to boost productivity and market their produce more effectively.
The partnership seeks to establish a comprehensive support framework for farmers, delivering technical assistance and implementing best agricultural practices. It will also oversee post-harvest procedures and product marketing to enhance product quality and competitiveness within local markets.
A key component of this collaboration is the setting up of a crop collection center by Silal and the National Agricultural Centre. This center will streamline the receipt, distribution, and marketing of agricultural produce.
This initiative is part of a larger integrated system aimed at increasing the efficiency of agricultural supply chains throughout the UAE. It supports the sustainability of the agricultural sector and aligns with the nation's food security goals.
Dhafer Al Qasimi, Silal's Group CEO, emphasized the significance of the collaboration in expanding Silal's operations nationwide and enhancing the agricultural ecosystem. Al Qasimi stated that the partnership with the National Agricultural Centre is crucial in empowering local farmers by providing necessary technical and marketing support, thus contributing to the UAE's national food security efforts.
Sultan Salem Al Shamsi, Director of the National Agricultural Centre, highlighted the Centre's dedication to building partnerships with key stakeholders to advance the UAE's agricultural sector. Through this collaboration, local farmers will be empowered with an integrated system covering production, organization, and marketing, aimed at improving product quality and competitiveness, while supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector and the UAE's national food security objectives.
The initiative is part of a broader national effort to develop the agricultural production ecosystem and food supply chains in the UAE. It seeks to strengthen integration across production, marketing, and distribution, support local farmers, and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector in contributing to the UAE's food security.