Sharjah's Ruler Attends Second Wheat Harvest Season, Inaugurates Farm Building In Mleiha

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, graced the second harvesting season of the wheat farm in Mleiha with his presence, marking a significant step towards agricultural development and food security in the region. The event also saw the inauguration of the farm's administrative building, a milestone in the journey towards enhancing Sharjah's self-sufficiency.

Before the official ceremony commenced, Sheikh Sultan embarked on a tour of the events area, where he was introduced to Sharjah's soil samples, grain varieties, and the milling process facilitated by both traditional "Al Raha" and modern machinery. His Highness's engagement with the process extended to learning about dough preparation and baking techniques, highlighting the comprehensive approach to wheat production at the farm.

The ceremony began with Sheikh Sultan ringing a bell, signaling the start of the wheat harvesting process. Utilizing modern machinery and equipment, the process involves a series of steps from separating grains from straw to compressing wheat straw into bales. His Highness received a sample of the first harvested wheat grains from this season, symbolizing the fruition of extensive agricultural efforts.

Following this, Sheikh Sultan proceeded to inaugurate the farm's administrative building by unveiling a commemorative plaque. The building, covering an area of 1,670 square metres, houses administrative offices and the UAE's first Biotechnology Laboratory dedicated to wheat research. This facility is pivotal in conducting physiological measurements and genetic analysis to enhance wheat strains for local cultivation.

The Ruler of Sharjah's visit to the experimental farm shed light on the research conducted on 550 non-genetically modified soft wheat varieties. This research aims at identifying strains suitable for local conditions and improving them through hybridisation programs to achieve the "Sharjah 1" variety.

A documentary showcased during the ceremony narrated the farm's evolution and its expansion through integrating phases two and three into a single stage. This expansion has increased the farm's axes to 37, covering a total cultivated area of 1,428 hectares.

In recognition of contributions towards the successful second agricultural season at Mleiha's wheat farm, Sheikh Sultan honoured government entities, companies, and sponsors with commemorative shields. This gesture underscored the collaborative effort behind this achievement.

The development plans and strategies implemented by Sharjah government underscore a commitment to enhancing food security, adapting to climate change, and encouraging private sector investment in agriculture. The wheat farm exemplifies this commitment through its use of advanced tools for optimal irrigation management aimed at achieving a 30 percent water savings. The integration of technology extends to monitoring irrigation devices, installing underground soil sensors for efficient water usage verification, and utilizing satellite data for daily farm reports.

Accompanying H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan during this significant event were notable figures including Sheikh Khaled Bin Essam Al Qasimi, Chairman of Department of Civil Aviation- Sharjah; Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Department of Statistics and Community Development; Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and the Environment; Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council; along with senior officials from local government departments and authorities.

This event not only highlights Sharjah's strides towards agricultural advancement but also reinforces its vision for sustainability and self-reliance in food production.

With inputs from WAM