Key Takeaways
- A climate-smart agriculture partnership has been established between Silal’s Innovation Oasis and global agritech company Square Roots.
- The collaboration aims to enhance food security and water efficiency in the UAE through innovative agricultural solutions.
- A multi-zone, AI-operated research facility will be created to advance indoor and desert farming technologies.
New AgriTech Partnership in UAE
A research and development center in Al Ain, UAE, has initiated a partnership with Square Roots, a global leader in agritech, to enhance climate-smart agriculture and innovate desert farming solutions. This agreement, reported by the state news agency WAM, represents a significant move to bolster food security and improve water efficiency in the region.
The collaboration will leverage Silal’s Innovation Oasis (iO), a local agricultural technology center, alongside Square Roots’ expertise in modular, climate-controlled farming systems driven by artificial intelligence. The partnership is expected to create a robust agricultural innovation ecosystem that can address the challenges of desert farming while ensuring sustainable practices.
Central to this initiative is the establishment of a multi-zone, cloud-connected, AI-driven research facility at the Innovation Oasis site. This facility will function as a national testing ground for innovations in both indoor and desert agriculture. Researchers will conduct parallel experiments to improve desert-adapted crops, explore low-light genetics, and develop modular controlled-environment systems, supported by generative AI technologies.
In addition to research, the collaboration will facilitate the commercialization of resource-efficient agricultural solutions for widespread adoption in the UAE. Notably, Square Roots will adapt its “Next-Gen Farmer Training Program” to train Emirati scientists, agronomists, and farmers, equipping them with the necessary skills for advancing local agricultural practices.
Furthermore, a R&D farm utilizing Square Roots technology will be established within the Innovation Oasis complex, providing a practical platform for collaboration and experimentation. This partnership underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering innovation in agriculture, ensuring food security, and embracing sustainability amid the challenges posed by desert environments.
As this strategic alliance unfolds, it holds the promise of transforming the agricultural landscape in the UAE, paving the way for more sustainable farming practices that could serve as a model for other arid regions globally.
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