Sharjah Agriculture wins the FAO Award for Best Practices in the Field of Plant Production

The Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock won the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) award for best practices in the field of sustainable plant production and plant protection, for wheat farming practices in the Mleiha region.

The Government of Sharjah achieved this achievement for developing, adopting and disseminating sustainable wheat farming practices in Mleiha, a strategic agricultural area in the Emirate of Sharjah, where 1,900 hectares were reclaimed using modern irrigation systems, selecting high-quality organic seeds, and data-based management.

Dr. Engineer Khalifa Musabah Al Taniji, Head of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation “IKTVA”, received the new global achievement certificate during the technical honoring ceremony organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) at its headquarters in the Italian capital, Rome, as part of the activities of the World Food Forum 2025, and the organization’s celebrations of the 80th anniversary of its founding.

This year’s honor category witnessed a wide turnout, as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) received 271 nominations from 52 countries, all of which were subjected to a careful technical and competitive evaluation, so that only 39 initiatives were selected at the world level, 8 of which were honored during a high-ranking ceremony held at the organization’s headquarters.

This achievement reflects the selection of the Emirate of Sharjah as one of the most prominent international models in the field of sustainable agricultural innovation, and at the same time confirms the growing role of the UAE in supporting sustainable development efforts regionally and internationally.

Dr. Engineer Khalifa Musabih Al Tunaiji said: “We are proud of this new global achievement, which confirms the commitment of the Sharjah government to building a sustainable agricultural sector that adopts smart and innovative technologies that contribute to enhancing food security and support the UAE’s efforts in consolidating agricultural development as a future development pillar and an immortal legacy,” stressing continued investment in modern agricultural technologies, empowering farmers, and enhancing cooperation to protect the environment and ensure a better future. “For our society.”

He added: “This new achievement comes as a result of the proactive and insightful vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, which transformed the vacant land into one of the best organic wheat farms in the Middle East.”

He explained that this achievement is in line with the national and international strategy for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, and is in line with the slogan of World Food Day 2025, “Hand in hand for better food and a better future,” in addition to the role of innovation and technical excellence in developing sustainable agricultural and food systems.

He pointed out that FAO is working to enhance knowledge exchange and accelerate the expansion of innovative solutions that improve livelihoods and protect natural resources. Honoring the Sharjah government also highlights a successful model for sustainable plant production and plant protection and enhances cooperation between FAO and the UAE in supporting sustainable development goals and advancing the transformation of food systems at the regional and international levels.

For his part, Dr. Abdul Hakim Al Waer, Assistant Director-General of FAO and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa region, expressed the organization’s pride in honoring the Sharjah government, stressing that this honor reflects the UAE’s leadership in promoting sustainable agricultural food systems.

He pointed out that the wheat farm in Mleiha represents a distinct model that highlights how innovation and the adoption of modern technologies and data-driven methods, including artificial intelligence applications, in addition to empowering farmers, can contribute to improving agricultural performance in dry environments, raising efficiency and protecting plant health, and provides an expandable model that contributes effectively to supporting food security and preserving natural resources.

The award reflects the emirate’s strategic approach to developing agriculture in dry environments by addressing the challenges of water use efficiency, soil and plant health, building farmers’ capabilities, and preserving biodiversity. This integrated and expandable model has contributed to raising productivity, protecting natural resources, and enhancing the ability to sustain in the long term.