Sharjah: Dr. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of the Production Establishment (EKTIFA), affirmed that the UAE's food security system has achieved high-level success. He emphasized the department's role within the broader national framework under the Emirates Food Security Council (EFSC), highlighting its integrated and coordinated efforts with all members.
According to Emirates News Agency, Dr. Al Tunaiji stressed the close cooperation with key ministries, including Industry and Advanced Technology, Economy and Tourism, and Climate Change and Environment, as well as EFSC, in managing the country's strategic food reserves. This is facilitated through high-level coordination meetings aimed at ensuring food security under all circumstances. He highlighted the UAE's proactive plans to achieve food security, having demonstrated strong resilience during global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine crisis, and drought conditions affecting supply countries.
He further stated that the UAE currently maintains sufficient food reserves for up to six months, covering both primary commodities and animal feed, ensuring preparedness for any emergency. EKTIFA is operating at full capacity, with all resources dedicated to the local market. Milk production has reached 130,000 litres per day and is expected to rise to 300,000 litres daily by 2029, serving more than one million people. Poultry production currently stands at 7,000 birds per day, with plans to increase to 16,000 birds and eventually to 25,000 to 26,000 birds daily.
Dr. Al Tunaiji noted that, in line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, production is being increased, with additional land allocated for future expansions. This is expected to raise output to between 25,000 and 26,000 birds per day. The department, through the Gheras farms, supplies the market daily with all seasonal produce.
In support of the country's food production chains, the department plans to introduce 140 food products to local markets during this year and next. These will include a wide range of dairy products, cheeses, butter, and animal fats, aligning with His Highness's emphasis on shifting from hydrogenated vegetable oils to natural animal-based fats in food production, along with various types of baked goods.
Dr. Al Tunaiji also mentioned that EKTIFA's organic products are competitively priced to ensure accessibility for consumers, in line with the Ruler's directives. Upcoming products include a high-protein milk for athletes, with 43 percent natural protein compared to the 34 percent currently available in the market, and Greek yoghurt.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to establish factories for cheese, butter, ghee, ketchup, tomato paste, and fruit jam, noting that all production inputs are sourced within the EKTIFA system to support a circular economy and ensure high nutritional value. The slaughterhouse and poultry processing plant are in the final stages of completion and are expected to be operational by the end of May, alongside a nearly completed animal feed factory.
Dr. Al Tunaiji also referred to the Hasad project, a joint initiative between the department and local farmers, focusing on contract farming to better regulate agricultural production and distribution, prevent market oversupply, and ensure fair pricing.
