VIDEO: Sheikh Sultan witnesses wheat harvest, launches 'QAND' brand in Sharjah

His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, on Monday attended the harvest ceremony of the fourth season of the “Sabaa Sanabel” wheat farm and launched the premium “QAND” chocolate brand, along with an integrated digital platform offering services of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Sharjah in Mleiha, aimed at empowering farmers and livestock breeders. 

Emphasis on natural food and Health 

In his speech, His Highness began with a Quranic verse, stressing the perfection of Allah’s creation and warning against altering it. He highlighted that many diseases stem from unhealthy food due to chemical additives driven by greed, while praising efforts to preserve natural, organic products. 

Support for farmers and agricultural development 

Sheikh Sultan praised the strong reputation earned by the emirate’s products in many countries, attributing this to their return to natural origins. He revealed that 580 farmers have benefited from the wheat seed distribution initiative under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, commending their efforts in developing the agricultural sector while highlighting key challenges they face. 

Comprehensive support for farmers 

His Highness affirmed that the Department provides an integrated range of services to farmers, including cultivation, ploughing, and rehabilitation of non-arable land—whether affected by chemicals or sandy soil that does not retain water. He praised specialists for successfully developing “nano clay” technology, which will be distributed to farmers to improve soil quality and increase productivity. 

Addressing water challenges and reducing costs 

Sheikh Sultan addressed challenges related to water use in agriculture and rising costs, reassuring farmers of supportive projects aimed at reducing expenses. These include drip irrigation projects in Kalba and Al Madina Lake, as well as government initiatives to support electricity costs. He emphasised the importance of proper marketing to enhance the reputation of agricultural products as healthy and reliable. 

Expanding initiatives and increasing production 

The Ruler of Sharjah invited UAE farmers who have not yet benefited from the wheat seed initiative to join, highlighting its benefits for both farmers and the community. He reaffirmed continued full support for achieving higher levels of toxin-free agricultural production and revealed plans to establish a new wheat farm with similar specifications to double production and expand into global markets. 

Integrated agricultural ecosystem 

His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah concluded by emphasising the integration of agricultural projects in the emirate to support food security and promote healthy food concepts. He noted that this system includes the wheat farm, Mleiha Dairy project, Fili poultry, as well as vegetable and fruit cultivation, contributing to the provision of high-quality natural products that benefit society and support sustainable food systems. 

Advanced harvesting and cultural activities 

Sheikh Sultan observed the fourth wheat harvest carried out using advanced machinery capable of harvesting, separating grain from chaff, collecting straw, and compressing it into bales. The ceremony also featured a performance by children expressing their welcome and appreciation for Sheikh Sultan’s efforts in providing safe and healthy food. 

Launch of “Mazraaty” platform and “QAND” brand 

His Highness inaugurated the “Mazraaty” digital platform, enabling farmers and livestock breeders to access government services efficiently, supporting digital transformation and sustainability. The platform represents a smart agriculture model using advanced thermal imaging and data analysis technologies, providing periodic reports and early alerts on crop health indicators. 

He also launched the “QAND” luxury sweets and chocolate brand, based on organic “Iktifa” ingredients, positioning it as a global Emirati product that transforms natural resources into a cultural message representing Sharjah’s identity. 

Scientific research and innovation 

His Highness reviewed scientific research conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, including wheat strain improvement programmes implemented in the UAE’s first specialised biotechnology laboratory for wheat. These efforts form a comprehensive vision for a more sustainable agricultural system that utilises resources efficiently while preserving the environment and leveraging modern technologies. 

Promoting healthy food awareness 

He also reviewed the outcomes of the “Baba Sultan Healthy Food” programme, which promotes healthy eating concepts in educational environments. The programme contributed to the adoption of a healthy food charter by 57 educational institutions, including schools and nurseries across Sharjah, fostering awareness and sustainable food culture among younger generations. 

Student projects and innovation 

Students from Rubu’ Qarn Science and Technology presented innovative projects, including the “Ghaith” smart robot designed to combat desertification and enhance food security through automated agricultural processes. Additional research explored the impact of fungal suspensions on wheat growth and their role in supporting sustainable agriculture. 

Academic contributions and research findings 

Students from the University of Sharjah presented research on nano clay applications in wheat farming using advanced techniques, while University of Al Dhaid students showcased studies on Mleiha dairy products and Sabaa Sanabel flour, as well as preliminary research on improving date seed germination through thermal treatment. 

Encouraging youth engagement in agriculture 

His Highness met with children demonstrating early agricultural talent in cultivating land and growing vegetables using modern techniques. These experiences strengthened their connection to the land and sense of responsibility toward the environment, reflecting growing awareness of agriculture’s importance in achieving food security. 

Artistic and documentary presentations 

The ceremony began with a sand art performance titled “Harvest of Vision,” illustrating the transformation from a single seed into an integrated organic food system. A documentary highlighted Sharjah’s organic food security system, which is based on advanced scientific research, including nano clay and wheat improvement technologies. 

Nano clay technology enhances wheat cultivation 

His Highness viewed a visual presentation highlighting the key results of using nano clay in wheat cultivation through advanced and specialised techniques. Locally produced nano clay is made from natural materials extracted from valleys beds, then processed and combined with biological compounds to enhance its efficiency, improve soil fertility, increase water retention, and boost crop growth and productivity in arid environments. 

Proven efficiency compared to other materials 

The presentation also demonstrated clear differences between soil treated with local nano clay and untreated soil, particularly under water stress conditions. The efficiency of locally produced nano clay was found to be slightly higher than that of bentonite clay across all tests, paving the way for adopting this technology in future sustainable and organic agriculture projects. 

Praise for Sharjah’s food security efforts 

Engineer Dr Eng Khalifa Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, delivered a speech praising the efforts of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in advancing the food security system. He expressed his gratitude for the significant support provided by His Highness and reviewed several global reports highlighting Sharjah’s food projects and their remarkable achievements in organic products. 

Honouring strategic partners 

His Highness honoured a number of strategic partners whose support and cooperation contributed significantly to the success of the fourth agricultural season of the wheat farm in Mleiha. He expressed his appreciation and presented them with commemorative shields, wishing them continued success and ongoing collaboration. 

Cultural closing ceremony 

The ceremony concluded with a performance titled “Baba Sultan Taught Us,” presented by a group of children acting as “Food Ambassadors.” The performance introduced the “Baba Sultan Healthy Food” programme and its goals of promoting healthy eating habits among children. 

Commemorative gift and recognition 

His Highness received a commemorative gift created by more than 2,000 students from Sharjah schools, in recognition of his efforts in the agricultural sector and food security, as well as his commitment to establishing a sustainable organic food system and providing safe, healthy food for the community. 

Attendees 

The event was attended by Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; Sheikh Dr Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Districts Affairs Department; Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Sheikh Ahmed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Agricultural Club; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Port and Customs Department; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Director General of Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikh Rashid bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Director of the Finance Department; along with a number of senior officials, including heads and directors of federal and local entities.