Post by : Badri Ariffin

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the Mleiha Dairy Factory, marking a significant step in food security initiatives. The facility spans 20,000 square metres and boasts a production capacity of approximately 600 tonnes.

During the inauguration, His Highness was presented with a Guinness World Record certificate, acknowledging Mleiha Dairy Farm as the largest A2A2 cattle farm globally, located in the Mleiha area of Sharjah. This farm is home to over 6,400 A2A2 cows, a unique breed recognized for its health-positive milk.

Welcoming Ceremony and High-profile Attendance

Upon his arrival, the Ruler was greeted by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, among other dignitaries. The ceremony also saw attendance from key federal and local officials, including Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Federal National Council Affairs, and Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology.

Realizing a Vision After Six Decades

His Highness expressed pride in the completion of the Dairy project, which he described as a 65-year dream. He emphasized the importance of this project in contributing to a sustainable legacy for future generations.

Reflecting on its historical journey, the Ruler noted the vision was realized by skilled young Emiratis, who balance modern knowledge with deep-rooted values and responsibility.

Returning to Natural Roots in Food Security

His Highness reiterated the emirate's commitment to food security, spotlighting the progressive development of farms and facilities. Key academic programs at the University of Al Dhaid aim to cultivate professionals in field-related sectors.

He called for a return to natural methods in agriculture, particularly within desert settings, which he deemed crucial for food production. Current projects in poultry, cattle, goats, and crops prioritize natural breeding and original seeds.

His Highness cautioned against excessive human interference in genetics and chemical reliance, emphasizing the safety of natural methods.

A2A2 Cattle and Focus on Health

At Mleiha Dairy, only the A2A2 breed is raised, yielding digestible and health-promoting milk. The cows are nurtured in a controlled environment, supported by a natural diet to preserve quality.

“Our aim is the populace’s well-being,” stated His Highness. “If we attain self-sufficiency and provide healthful food, we have achieved a milestone for our nation.”

Boosting Sustainable Agriculture

The Ruler highlighted complementary projects, such as olive cultivation on Jebel Deem, where thousands of trees are being planted for high-quality olive oil production. Another model is the Flybirds poultry initiative, focusing on ethical practices with free-range birds.

Vegetable projects aim to cultivate original varieties, collaborating with German farms to enhance produce quality.

Integrating Technology with Tradition

Sharjah’s agricultural projects utilize advanced technologies for efficient resource management. The acclaimed Sharjah wheat brand, “Saba Sanabel,” exemplifies this careful interaction with natural cycles.

Factory Insights and Overview

After the official opening, His Highness toured the Visitors Centre, learning about the factory’s arrangements and advanced quality assurance protocols. He reviewed the processing area and packaging lines, which can produce up to 4,500 products hourly.

At the circular milking parlour, operations across 80 platforms enable milking 500 cows each hour, yielding roughly 100,000 litres daily. The factory also featured sustainable packaging options up to international standards.

Values, Ethics, and Acknowledgements

A presentation showcased Mleiha’s evolution into a comprehensive agricultural and manufacturing hub, highlighting the role of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Foundation (Iktifa) in advancing food security.

Dr Khalifa Musbeh Al Tunaiji from Iktifa stressed ethical food practices over commercial pursuits, emphasizing food as essential for health.

In closing, His Highness honored various entities for their support and received recognition from the Danish Holstein Breeders Association for their preservation efforts.

The inauguration of Mleiha Dairy Factory marks a crucial step in Sharjah’s mission towards food security, public health, and a sustainable future anchored in wisdom and ethical practices.

#Global News