Key Takeaways
- Silal and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG) signed a strategic partnership to establish a 100,000m² Agritech facility in Al Ain, UAE.
- The project involves an investment of over AED 120 million and will deploy advanced greenhouse, AI, and robotics technologies.
- The facility will feature SVG’s Shouguang Model adapted to UAE climate conditions.
- Focus areas include precision agriculture, seedling cultivation, post-harvest processing, and solar-powered smart greenhouses.
- The agreement was witnessed by UAE ministers responsible for industry and climate change.
Silal and SVG Announce Agritech Partnership at UAE Ministerial Event
A strategic partnership agreement has been signed between Silal, an Abu Dhabi-based agri-food and technology company, and Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group (SVG), a Chinese firm known for greenhouse seed breeding and counter-seasonal production. The announcement took place in the presence of H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
The partnership outlines the development of a 100,000-square-meter Agritech facility in Al Ain, with SVG committing over AED 120 million in investment.
Facility to Feature Greenhouse Systems and AI Integration
The planned Agritech facility will implement SVG’s “Shouguang Model”, featuring various greenhouse types including intelligent photovoltaic glass structures, thin film-connected greenhouses, and large-span solar greenhouses. These systems will be adapted for the UAE’s climate and powered by solar energy to support sustainability objectives.
Technologies to be integrated include:
- AI-driven climate control
- Automated irrigation
- Robotic harvesting
- AI-supported research and development
According to project details, these systems aim to increase operational efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and enable year-round cultivation.
Silal and SVG Focus on Crop Productivity and Sustainability
Over a dozen crop types, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and strawberries, will be cultivated with traits selected for flavor, durability, and yield improvement. The technology is expected to reduce water and fertilizer use by up to 30%, contributing to resource efficiency.
The facility will also feature:
- Seedling cultivation zones
- AI laboratories and testing areas
- Water treatment and purification systems
- Energy storage units
- Employee accommodation infrastructure
A post-harvest processing complex will include cold storage, automated sorting lines, and logistics systems to support product handling and export readiness.
Silal and SVG Highlight Technological Synergies
Commenting on the partnership, Salmeen Alameri, CEO of Silal, said: “Our partnership with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group aims to transform the UAE’s Agritech sector. By combining SVG’s expertise with Silal’s innovation objectives, we are building a model for modern agriculture adapted to regional conditions.”
Ming Yang, Founder of SVG, added: “Abu Dhabi’s proactive approach and unique environment make it a strong location for technology deployment and adaptation. This collaboration with Silal enables us to enhance our systems in a new setting.”
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