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ABU DHABI / WAM
The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED), participated in the sixth edition of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA) and showcased three innovative agricultural projects it supports as part of its endeavours to assist Emirati entrepreneurs, promote innovation and creativity, and help enhance the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), across the different sectors.
Mouza Al Nasri, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Khalifa Fund, said that the Fund’s participation was designed to open new markets and widen the local, regional, and international reach of the projects it supports. The event formed part of its commitment to support startups and SMEs across industries, especially in the agricultural sector, which is a key pillar of the government’s food security and self-sufficiency programmes.
“The Fund fully supports innovation-driven projects to improve the UAE’s global positioning and drive the country’s economy through increased productivity and entry to new markets for their products and services. Joining the forum served as another step to show our support to young entrepreneurs and foster a culture of innovation and creativity in Abu Dhabi and the UAE,” she added.
‘Fish Farm’, one of KFED supported projects highlighted during the event, produces 70 tonnes of numerous fish species using aquaponics technology and honey products. It reuses the water from the aquaponics pools for the palm and other crops in the farm which aims to be fully sustainable and become a learning hub for students in the future.
International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA), another project supported by the Fund, is an international, non-profit agricultural research centre established in 1999. Initially established to address the issue of salinity and promote the use of saline water for irrigated agriculture.
ICBA has evolved over the years into a world-class modern research facility with a team of international scientists conducting applied research and development to improve the country’s agricultural productivity and sustainability in the marginal and saline environments. In 2013, the Centre developed a new strategic direction that takes innovation as a core principle. Using a multi-pronged approach, it closely addresses challenges concerning water, environment, income, and food security through research and innovations.
‘Gracia Farm’, the third KFED supported project showcased in the forum, is involved in the field of hydroponics. It aims to use the latest agricultural systems to produce the highest quality products and contribute to the government’s food security programme and efforts to achieve global excellence. The company is keen to provide products that are free from toxic substances.