First batch of Danish cows for Mleiha dairy farm lands at Sharjah Airport

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The first batch of cows landed at Sharjah International Airport on Monday and were safely transferred to the Mleiha Dairy Farm.

The Mleiha Dairy Farm is the latest and unique food security project unveiled by the Emirate of Sharjah. It would be the first dairy farm in the country that produces completely organic milk, reaching consumers in its purest and natural form without any interference or reduction in its components. The dairy farm will start producing milk from June 2024.

Dr Engineer Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment (Iktifa), affiliated with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, said that the Mleiha Dairy Farm is one of the unique projects in the country.

“In the first phase, 1,000 Ashar cows carrying A2A2 genes were selected and were imported from Denmark. All of them will arrive by air via Sharjah International Airport and transported directly to the farm,” he added.

Dr Al Tunaiji pointed out that no steps will be spared to maintain the health and wellbeing of these cows, which provide the finest type of natural milk containing the A2A2 protein, known for its many qualities and nutritional values essential for human health. The special organic milk from the Mleiha Dairy Farm will reach consumers in its purest and natural form without any interference or reduction in its nutritional value.

Dr Al Tunaiji explained that the cows meant for the Mleiha farm have been chosen according to the highest international standards. A team of experts and specialists, including veterinarians and technicians, had been sent to inspect the cows in their original habitat and ensure that they conform to the required specifications and are free of genetic modification.

The cows are fed in open natural pastures and organic feed free of chemicals, in accordance with the directives and keenness of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, by providing safe and healthy food that enhances nutritional sustainability and public health, making the Mleiha Dairy Farm the first in the country to produce organic milk from an entire herd carrying A2A2 genes using the latest technology and in a way that is compatible with the nature and needs of these cows. It maintains the production of the finest milk, stressed Dr Al Tunaiji.

The Mleiha Dairy Farm will recycle cow waste to preserve the environment, and produce the finest types of organic fertilisers that will be used in the Sharjah wheat farm, which will provide the cows with organic fodder. This is with the aim of achieving integration between agricultural and livestock production and promoting the principle of the circular economy, added Dr Al Tunaiji.