CBE hosts Hydroponic Exhibition and Workshop
The College of Business and Economics at the American University of Kuwait (AUK) organized the first Hydroponic Exhibition and Workshop in November 2016. The event, which was a collaboration between AUK, the Kuwait Environmental Protection Society (KEPS), and two hydroponic industry leaders-Smart Hydro Company and AlShaheen Nurseries Company, was held at AUK. The objective of the event was to introduce students and faculty to alternative, environmentally-friendly, efficient and sustainable food production systems.
The Hydroponic Exhibition and Workshop featured displays of a number of different hydroponic systems, presentations, and workshops that focused on how to construct and operate hydroponic systems at home.
In his opening remarks, Dr Ali Aljamal, Assistant Professor of Economics and the organizer of the workshop, explained the impact that cost-effective and environment-friendly hydroponic systems could have on Kuwait's future and how they could enable Kuwait to develop a sustainable food production system that is in line with Kuwait Vision 2035.
Smart Hydro Company and Al-Shaheen Nurseries Company displayed locally-developed hydroponic systems, equipment, and food production supplies that can be used to maintain and operate hydroponic systems. This exhibition presented the attending faculty and students with technology that can be used to contribute to the sustainability of Kuwait's water, food and energy economy.
A discussion was also held with experts and industry leaders, faculty, students and activists on how to advance understanding of the technical, economic and business aspects of this newly-emerging industry. At the discussion, Engineer Fawaz Alqeryan, Head of the Agriculture Unit of the Kuwait Environmental Protection Society (KEPS), explained that hydroponic systems are environmentally friendly, given that they depend on far less water and sensible use of chemicals as plant feed compared to conventional agricultural practices.
Dean of the College of Business and Economics, Dr Jin Wang, commended the event as a contribution to the advancement of Kuwait's agenda towards a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. "The College of Business and Economics at AUK is proud to be a participant contributing to the fulfillment of the ambitious and inspiring Kuwait Vision 2035 by promoting education, training, and research," he said.