FNC members seek more efforts to enhance food security
Call for initiatives to increase research funds, develop hydroponics and reduce water usage
Members of the Federal National Council (FNC) demanded that more efforts be made to boost local food output and sustainability of farming activities to reduce reliance on imports.
The members called for initiatives to increase agricultural research funds, develop and invest in the hydroponic segment, as well as to reduce water usage through improved irrigation techniques and the provision of alternative sources of water.
Shaikh Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, a member from Ajman, said UAE’s food imports in 2015 reached Dh52 billion, while the food waste bill was Dh14 billion annually. Latest reports showed that the UAE has been ranked first in the Arab region when it comes to food security. The Economist’s annual Global Food Security Index for 2015 ranked the level of food security in 109 countries.
The criteria was based on food affordability and availability, in addition to the standard of quality and safety. The report revealed that the UAE ranked 23rd globally (with a score of 75.6) due to the country’s logistical infrastructure, high standards of food quality, large storage capacities and technologies, and a healthy domestic market.
A report worked out by an ad hoc committee said the UAE relies on imports for up to 64 per cent of its food. The report noted that the country’s food security index dropped last year because of the lack of a national strategy for improving quality of foods across the country.
Dr Thani Ahmad Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said food security, or rather food sufficiency, is a top priority. FNC members said UAE’s fish production meets only 30 per cent of local consumption, while the area of arable land decreased by 4.57 per cent over the last 20 years.
The UAE’s food consumption is steadily growing by 12 per cent annually while the demand for food staples increased 30 per cent due to increasing population.