Post by : Bianca Suleiman
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Factory on Wednesday, a key initiative for food security that covers 20,000 square metres and can produce approximately 600 tonnes of dairy products.
During the opening ceremony, he was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate, affirming that the Mleiha Dairy Farm is the largest A2A2 cattle farm worldwide, featuring over 6,400 A2A2 cows, which are known for their milk with remarkable health advantages.
Welcoming Ceremony and Attendance
Upon his arrival, the Ruler was received by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler's Office; and Sheikh Engineer Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Majid Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Municipal Affairs.
Federal and local dignitaries at the event included Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs; Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; and Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and the Future, among other officials and partners.
A Vision Realized After 65 Years
In his remarks, His Highness expressed his joy at witnessing the fruition of the Mleiha Dairy Farm and Factory project, calling it a dream fulfilled over 65 years. He emphasized the project's alignment with his lifelong commitment to societal service and sustainable development for future generations.
Reflecting on the project's evolution, he noted that it is now a reality for the fourth generation of Emiratis, who blend contemporary knowledge with a commitment to tradition and responsibility.
Nurturing Food Security through Nature
His Highness highlighted Sharjah's expanding initiatives for food security, pointing to rapid advancements in farms and processing plants throughout the emirate. He cited the significance of academic programs offered at the University of Al Dhaid, preparing professionals in Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, and Desert Sciences to bolster national food security goals.
He stressed the importance of reconnecting with natural origins in development, particularly in desert settings. Projects encompassing poultry, cattle, goats, and crop production are self-sustained, using organic seeds and natural breeding without excessive chemical applications.
The Ruler warned against the detrimental impacts of human interventions in genetics and chemical dependency, asserting that natural methods have proven superior over time.
A2A2 Cows and a Commitment to Health
At Mleiha Dairy, exclusively A2A2 cows produce milk noted for its digestibility and health benefits; the animals are raised in optimal conditions with a natural diet to ensure nutrient-rich dairy products.
“Our priority is not profit,” His Highness remarked. “It is the health of our people. Achieving self-sufficiency while providing healthy food is our true accomplishment.”
Expanding Agricultural Sustainability
The Ruler also underscored numerous supporting projects, including olive growing on Jebel Deem, where 3,800 trees are planted, with annual increments expected. This initiative aims to improve the production of premium-quality olive oil.
The Flybirds poultry initiative exemplifies ethical production, featuring free-range chickens fed solely natural feed, which takes around three months to reach market readiness.
Vegetable farming initiatives utilize native plant varieties through collaboration with German farms to cultivate pure seeds, leading to produce of elevated taste and nutritional value.
Advanced Technology Meets Tradition
While grounded in nature, Sharjah's agricultural pursuits leverage modern technology, employing digital monitoring to optimize humidity and irrigation, ensuring efficient water usage.
A notable example is the cultivated wheat in Sharjah, branded “Saba Sanabel,” producing an impressive yield of seven ears per grain while respecting natural cycles.
Factory Tour and Operations Insights
Post the ribbon-cutting, His Highness toured the Visitors Centre, gaining insights into the factory's setup, modern technology, and stringent quality control protocols.
He visited areas dedicated to processing, a central control room, and packaging lines for fresh milk and related products, capable of producing up to 4,500 units per hour. The facility also showcases eco-friendly packaging that aligns with international standards, reflecting its commitment to sustainability.
At the circular milking facility, the Ruler witnessed operations on 80 platforms, milking up to 500 cows an hour and generating around 100,000 litres of milk daily. Additionally, he reviewed silage harvesting and packaging units that produce 50 tonnes of organic feed per hour, as well as modern cattle pens designed for optimal welfare and hygiene.
Vision, Ethics, and Commendations
A segment during the event traced Mleiha's transformation from desert terrain to a fully functional agricultural and industrial center, acknowledging the role of Iktifa in promoting food security and public health.
Dr Khalifa Musbeh Al Tunaiji, the head of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of Iktifa, affirmed the foundation's commitment to ethical food practices over mere commercial gains, highlighting the medicinal value of food.
At the end of the ceremony, His Highness acknowledged contributions from various federal and local entities, alongside private sector partners. He received a special shield from the Danish Holstein Breeders Association for efforts in preserving rare cattle breeds globally.
The launch of the Mleiha Dairy Factory marks a pivotal moment in Sharjah's comprehensive strategy toward enhancing food security, fostering public health, and establishing a sustainable future deeply rooted in nature, ethical practices, and knowledge.
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