Key Takeaways
- H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi attended the third wheat harvest, where Saba Sanabel wheat achieved 19.3% protein content, reflecting high-quality organic production.
- New organic wheat-based products were introduced, including pasta, croissants, biscuits, and traditional Arabic bread.
- Farmers received 25 tons of premium wheat seeds through the Sharjah Ruler’s grant, benefiting 559 local farmers.
- 1,428 hectares of wheat fields are expected to yield 6,000 tons, with experimental varieties from Saudi Arabia and Egypt showing promising results.
- Smart farming and sustainability initiatives include 30% reduced water consumption, satellite-based crop monitoring, and precision irrigation technology.
Sharjah Ruler Attends Wheat Harvest Ceremony
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended the third season harvest ceremony of the Saba Sanabel “Seven Spikes” wheat project in Mleiha. This season’s harvest reported a protein content of 19.3%, underscoring the farm’s high-quality organic production.
Prior to the ceremony, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan toured the event area, where he inaugurated a new line of organic products derived from Saba Sanabel flour. The product range includes pasta, vermicelli, croissants, cakes, biscuits, semolina, and traditional Arabic bread.
Support for Local Farmers & Advanced Harvesting Technologies
During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan engaged with Emirati farmers, who are provided with seeds and equipment under his directives through the Sharjah Agriculture and Livestock Department. This season, the Sharjah Ruler’s grant delivered 25 tons of premium wheat seeds, benefiting 559 farmers.
The harvest process was conducted using specialized machinery, including:
- A machine for separating grains from straw.
- A machine for collecting straw.
- A machine for compressing straw into bales.
Expanding Agricultural Research & Wheat Breeding Programs
Introduction of New Wheat Varieties
Dr. Al Tunaiji provided insights into new wheat varieties cultivated during the third season, including:
- Yokora Rojo (Saudi Arabia) – the leading variety grown.
- Egypt 3 & Egypt 4 (Egypt) – performed well in experimental plots, with higher protein content in Sharjah than in Egypt.
Alongside wheat production, a corn silage trial on 12.5 hectares resulted in over 500 tons of cattle feed, part of a broader effort to expand summer forage crops for organic feed production.
Developing the “Sharjah 1” Wheat Variety
Research is underway to develop new experimental wheat strains, with a goal of creating a “Sharjah 1” wheat variety. The third season introduced:
- 1,450 non-GMO soft and hard wheat strains – double the number from previous seasons.
- 45 hybrid parent plants – selected for further research and development.
These efforts are supported by the UAE’s first Biotechnology Laboratory, which is equipped with smart technology for physiological measurements and molecular analysis to assess genetic lineage and improve crop performance.
Sustainability & Smart Farming Innovations
The Mleiha wheat farm integrates advanced agricultural technology, ensuring sustainable and efficient farming practices. Key initiatives include:
- Smart irrigation technologies – reducing water usage by 30%.
- Valley 365 application – enabling remote management of irrigation systems.
- Ground sensors measuring soil moisture at 60 cm depth.
- Satellite technology – delivering daily agricultural updates on crop health, irrigation, and environmental conditions.
Cultural & Community Engagement For The UAE Wheat Harvest
The event included a traditional “Taghrooda” performance by children, expressing gratitude for the Sharjah Ruler’s efforts in promoting organic food production.
Attendees viewed a special documentary featuring Japanese farmer Yoshiki Yamamoto, highlighting Sharjah’s sustainable agriculture model. Yamamoto shared his experience in transforming desert landscapes into organic wheat farms, inspired by Sharjah’s agricultural vision.
In appreciation of his contributions, H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan was presented with a commemorative gift from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) for his commitment to food security and sustainable agriculture.
The event concluded with H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan honoring strategic partners, recognizing their role in the success of the third season of wheat production. Commemorative shields were presented to key collaborators, followed by group photographs celebrating their contributions.
Notable Attendees
The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking officials, including:
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Humaid Al Qasimi – Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development (DSCD).
- Sheikh Eng. Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi – Director of the Department of Municipalities.
- Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais – Minister of Health and Prevention.
- Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi – UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment.
- Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi – Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council.
