Post by : Bianca
Haleem
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and a member of the Supreme Council, inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Factory on Wednesday. This large-scale project, covering 20,000 square metres, is poised to produce approximately 600 tonnes of dairy annually.
At the ceremony, he received an official certificate from Guinness World Records, recognizing the Mleiha Dairy Farm as the largest A2A2 cow farming operation globally. Located in the Mleiha region, the farm boasts over 6,400 A2A2 cows that produce milk noted for its health attributes.
A Warm Welcome
The Ruler was greeted by various dignitaries including His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; and Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, among others.
Other key figures were present, including federal ministers and local leaders, reflecting the significance of the event in regional governance and initiatives.
A Vision Realized
In his speech, His Highness expressed immense satisfaction at the successful completion of the Mleiha Dairy Farm, a project that has been envisioned for almost 65 years. He emphasized that this venture is a testament to a lifetime of commitment to societal service and sustainable development.
He highlighted that the realization of this vision has now been achieved by a new generation of capable Emiratis who merge traditional values with contemporary knowledge.
Natural Roots of Food Security
His Highness also discussed numerous initiatives aimed at food security in Sharjah, such as the growth of farms and processing facilities, and the development of academic programs at the University of Al Dhaid focusing on agriculture and veterinary sciences.
He reiterated the importance of utilizing natural methods for food production, particularly in the challenging desert environment, which he views as a fundamental source for sustainable food production.
He cautioned against excessive human intervention in genetics and reliance on chemicals, advocating for safer, natural approaches.
Health-Centric Dairy Production
The Mleiha Dairy Farm proudly features cows exclusively from the A2A2 breed, renowned for their easily digestible milk. The animals are nurtured in an environment prioritizing their health and are fed natural diets to maintain the quality and health benefits of the milk.
“Our main goal is not profit,” His Highness declared. “It’s the health of our community. Achieving self-sufficiency means we’ve succeeded in something vital for our nation.”
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture
The Ruler highlighted a variety of sustainable agriculture projects, such as the cultivation of olives on Jebel Deem, where 3,800 trees have been planted, with expansion plans underway.
The Flybirds poultry initiative indicates a commitment to ethical farming practices, with free-range birds consuming entirely natural feed, optimizing production cycles.
Additionally, vegetable farming projects are based on unique, non-GMO seeds developed in collaboration with German farms, yielding superior produce.
Where Tradition Meets Technology
Mleiha’s agricultural projects mix traditional methods with cutting-edge technology. Digital systems manage irrigation and humidity, enhancing resource efficiency.
The Sharjah wheat, branded “Saba Sanabel,” exemplifies effective natural resource management.
Touring the Dairy Facilities
After the inauguration, His Highness toured various sections of the factory, examining its advanced equipment and quality control standards.
He observed the packaging process for fresh milk, yoghurt, and labneh, reinforcing the facility's commitment to environmental sustainability with eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The circular milking parlor demonstrated high efficiency, milking 500 cows every hour and generating roughly 100,000 litres of milk per day. The facility also incorporates humane practices and proper veterinary care.
Ethics and Recognition in Agriculture
A presentation showcased Mleiha’s transformation into a leading agricultural hub, crediting the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation (Iktifa) for its role in promoting food security.
Dr Khalifa Musbeh Al Tunaiji, CEO of Iktifa, emphasized a commitment to ethical food practices, describing food as essential to health.
At the ceremony's conclusion, His Highness honored various contributors and received recognition from the Danish Holstein Breeders Association for conserving rare cow breeds globally.
The inauguration marks a crucial step in Sharjah's ongoing efforts toward achieving food security and promoting health through sustainable agriculture.
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