UAE farmers have been
learning about hydroponics, which allows them to grow fruit and vegetables
using less water and energy. The technology uses 80% less water, less fertilizer
and fewer pesticides than traditional farming, and gives at least 30% more
productivity.
The system was imported
from Holland and grows plants without soil.
Two government-run organizations, the Khalifa Fund and the Farmers’ Service
Centre help farmers with the costs of conversion and with technical advice
Normally, productivity
on Abu Dhabi farms falls during the hot summer months but hydroponics is
expected to change that. The system can be used both in open-field farms and in
greenhouses. All water is recycled and re-used. An open hydroponics system
saves up to 40% of water compared to conventional farming and the closed system
saves 60-80%. Productivity increases, maintenance costs are lower, there is
limited chemical usage and the new system is easy to manage.
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