Sharjah Agriculture Receives FAO Award For Best Practices In Sustainable Plant Production

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah has been honoured with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Award for Best Practices in Plant Production and Sustainable Plant Protection. This accolade acknowledges the department's innovative wheat cultivation methods in Meliha, showcasing Sharjah's significant role, alongside the UAE, in fostering climate-resilient food systems.

Dr Eng. Khalifa Musabeh Al Tenaiji, Chairman of the Department and CEO of EKTIFA, accepted this prestigious award at the FAO Global Technical Award Ceremony. The event took place on October 15, 2025, at the FAO headquarters in Rome, as part of the World Food Forum and FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations. This recognition underscores Sharjah’s dedication to sustainable agriculture through modern technology and innovation.

This year, the FAO evaluated 271 nominations from 52 countries for this category. After a rigorous selection process, only 39 initiatives were recognised globally, with eight receiving honours at a ceremony at FAO headquarters. Sharjah’s inclusion highlights its leadership in sustainable agricultural innovation and underscores the UAE’s growing influence in sustainable development worldwide.

Khalifa Musabeh Al Tenaiji expressed pride in this achievement, stating it reaffirms Sharjah's commitment to a sustainable agricultural sector using smart technologies. He emphasised that these efforts support UAE's goals for agricultural development as a foundation for future growth. "We are proud of this new global achievement," he said.

Al Tenaiji credited His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for transforming barren land into a leading organic wheat farm. He noted that this accomplishment aligns with strategies aimed at improved production and better quality of life. It also reflects World Food Day 2025’s theme: "Hand in hand for better food and a better future."

He highlighted innovation's vital role in advancing sustainable agriculture, praising FAO’s efforts to share knowledge and expand innovative solutions that protect resources. This award showcases Sharjah as an example of successful sustainable plant production while reinforcing UAE-FAO partnerships to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Regional Recognition for Agricultural Innovation

Dr Abdulhakim Elwaer, FAO Assistant Director-General for Near East and North Africa, stated: "The FAO is proud to honour the Government of Sharjah." He praised the Maliha wheat farm as an example of how innovation can enhance agriculture in arid areas through modern technologies like AI.

Elwaer added that these efforts improve efficiency, protect plant health, and provide scalable models enhancing food security while preserving resources. The recognition celebrates Sharjah’s pioneering work in sustainable wheat farming practices in Meliha, a key agricultural region.

Advancing Agriculture in Arid Regions

Around 1,900 hectares have been reclaimed using advanced irrigation systems, high-quality organic seeds, and data-driven management techniques. These efforts reflect Sharjah’s strategic focus on overcoming challenges like water-use efficiency and biodiversity conservation.

This comprehensive model has increased productivity while preserving natural resources and ensuring long-term sustainability. It demonstrates how addressing key challenges can lead to significant advancements in agriculture within arid regions.

With inputs from WAM