The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and Shalimar Biotech Industries, a leading Dubai-based producer of organic soil, fertilizers and pesticides, signed an agreement to establish vertical farms on allocated lands within the Ministry’s premises in Dubai.
His Excellency Sultan Alwan, Assistant Undersecretary for the Regions Sector at MOCCAE, and CP Ramachandran, founder and CEO of Shalimar Biotech Industries, signed the agreement at MOCCAE headquarters. His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, attended the signing.
Under the terms of the collaboration, MOCCAE will allocate 7,600 square meters of land within its premises, provide Shalimar Biotech Industries with logistical support, and facilitate the services needed for the project. Meanwhile, the company will establish 12 vertical farms on the land, and develop infrastructure facilities, such as a water desalination plant, climate control air conditioning, LED lighting, and automatic irrigation systems.
Speaking on the partnership, His Excellency Sultan Alwan said: “The agreement leverages synergies between MOCCAE and the private sector to encourage innovation in agriculture with the aim of enhancing the UAE’s food security and diversity.”
He added: “As vertical farming has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than traditional farming, ventures such as this one align with the country’s drive to improve its agricultural self-sufficiency.”
The cooperation seeks to promote new agricultural technologies, provide an educational center for local farmers, students, and researchers, reduce agricultural waste as well as the risk of infection and spread of agricultural pests, achieve year-round crop production, and mitigate thermal emissions from agricultural processes.
The agreement is valid for five years and shall be automatically renewed for a similar period unless one of the parties expresses the intention to terminate it.