China and UAE launch smart farming hub in Abu Dhabi

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Shouguang, a prominent city in eastern China recognized for its extensive vegetable production, is establishing a 100,000-square-meter smart agriculture center in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This initiative aims to transfer China’s advancements in farming technology to the Middle East’s arid landscapes.

In a recent agreement, UAE’s agritech leader, Silal, and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group consented to a joint investment of $32.7 million for the development of this center, as reported by state agency Xinhua. The collaboration is part of China’s broader strategy to share agricultural expertise with Belt and Road Initiative participants, underlining the infrastructure-driven connectivity efforts spearheaded by Beijing.

The facility is set to integrate advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, to enhance processes like seeding, climate regulation, irrigation, and harvesting. More than 10 crop varieties, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, will be cultivated at this site, Xinhua indicated.

“Abu Dhabi, as a frontier for agricultural technology innovation, offers a visionary platform and a real-world test bed for deploying advanced systems in extreme climates,” stated Yang Ming, founder of Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group.

According to Silal CEO Saleem al-Ameri, the initiative will act as a prototype for agricultural innovation throughout the Persian Gulf, establishing a sustainable and scalable model for regional agriculture development.

The site will import specialized greenhouse systems from Shouguang, adapted specifically for the UAE’s environmental conditions. These systems will include smart photovoltaic greenhouses, film-connected structures, and large-span solar facilities, according to Xinhua.

An AI lab, technology testing zones, and a cold chain logistics center will form part of the supporting infrastructure, creating an overarching agricultural network from production to export.

This deal aligns with current trends in China’s agricultural trade. Recent figures revealed that exports of pesticides and machinery to Belt and Road countries have seen notable growth, indicating an uptick in China’s influence in international agriculture.

Shouguang is expanding its digital reach as it advances globally, with enterprises like Shandong Lisente Agricultural Technology establishing operations in several countries. According to General Administration of Customs data, the expansion reflects China’s aim of global agricultural leadership, maintaining pace with technological progress.

Agriculture Minister Han Jun highlighted China’s transition towards self-reliant innovation in frontier disciplines as pivotal for the future of global agritech. These advancements include areas like gene editing and synthetic biology.

Source: The Star

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies