Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) — the world’s flagship Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise - has launched Agriota E-Marketplace, a technology-driven agri-commodity trading and sourcing platform that uses blockchain to help bridge the gap between millions of rural farmers in India and the UAE’s food industry.

The Agriota platform provides Indian farmers the opportunity to connect directly with the entire food industry in the UAE, including food processing companies, traders and wholesalers.

The marketplace allows them to bypass intermediaries, optimising the supply chain and ensuring traceability to create value for all stakeholders.

Farmers can participate directly with the large demand from the UAE’s market. This type of aggregation has the potential to empower local communities, deliver better quality farm-to-shelf products and expand the UAE’s long-term food security. Initially, the platform will offer cereals, pulses, oil seeds, fruits, vegetables, spices and condiments.

The launch was attended by His Excellency Pavan Kapoor, Ambassador of India to the UAE and focused on how the Agriota platform will positively impact the UAE’s food security and economy and the way in will also boost trade ties with India

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “Harnessing the power of blockchain technologies within the commodity space is a top priority for DMCC, and launching Agriota is the next natural step in this journey.

The UAE has a significant history with India, and our agricultural commodities platform takes this symbiotic relationship even further, benefitting the millions of farmers throughout India whilst simultaneously providing greater food security for the UAE.”

He added: “The UAE has a comprehensive plan in place to ensure food security and champion agribusiness trade facilitation, with the ultimate goal of positioning our nation as a world leading hub in innovation-driven food security. The launch of an innovative model like Agriota will inch the UAE closer to the top of the Global Food Security Index.”

The online marketplace provides end-to-end traceability and transparency through last-mile verification and extension infrastructure in a blockchain environment. Additionally, the introduction of a proprietary banking system with a multi-tier escrow structure, will guarantee secure transactions of funds when using the platform.

The Agriota platform was jointly developed with CropData Technology, an Indian company whose mission is to help marginal and small farmers, following the signing of a collaboration agreement during the Prime Minister of India’s state visit to UAE in February 2018.

In 2019, India exported more than $38 billion of agricultural and processed food products, with one of their largest markets being the Middle East.

In July 2020, DMCC announced its plans to replicate the successful business model behind its tea and coffee operation by building a new infrastructure and logistics centre in Jafza to attract, facilitate and promote the trade of cacao, pepper, chillies and spices, with the flexibly to expand to other agro commodities including cardamom, nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, cloves, ginger, sesame seeds and cashew nuts.

This latest initiative builds on the comprehensive strategy of DMCC to attract innovative companies to Dubai and contribute to the nation’s wider economic diversification strategy.

Earlier this year, DMCC signed an agreement with Crypto Valley - a Swiss Government-supported initiative that will bring the world’s leading blockchain and cryptographic technologies’ ecosystem to Dubai - and Innoway - one of China’s most successful global incubators and science, tech and education ecosystems.

DMCC earlier announced the launch of its latest discount campaign to encourage international diamond companies to set up operations in Dubai. Effective immediately and valid until Sept.30, 2020, DMCC has reduced its business set-up fees by 50 per cent for all diamond-connected companies.

In addition, DMCC announced that new company registrations will be offered a free 12-month membership of the Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) – a community of over 1000 leading diamond companies in Dubai. To mark the campaign launch, DMCC lit up Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest building – with a breath-taking visual display in celebration of Dubai’s remarkable diamond story.

His Excellency Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade - UAE Ministry of Economy, said: “The trade of precious metals and stones is a critical pillar of the nation’s economic diversification agenda. The UAE Ministry of Economy is focused on catalysing a new phase of economic growth and development in the country, and supporting the trade connected to diamonds is a priority. Any initiative that connects the UAE with partners around the world and showcases the exciting business opportunities that exists here is one to be supported. DMCC should be commended for their work in this space and ambitious vision for commodities.”