Harmonising research efforts is key to achieving food security: Mariam Almheiri

Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State, said that harmonising the UAE’s research efforts as part of a comprehensive national programme is key to establishing a comprehensive national strategy to achieve future food security, and will help to adopt the outcomes of scientific research in an ideal way, promote effective practices, and improve the country’s international competitiveness in food security.

As part of the directives of the wise leadership and the country’s research on future food security, Almheiri will oversee the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture, ICBA, which conducts applied agricultural research, with the aim aligning relevant international, regional and national research efforts.

Dr. Asmahan Al Wafi, Director-General of the ICBA, said, “The centre, since its establishment in 1999 by the UAE’s wise leadership and the Islamic Development Bank Group, has conducted research programmes to develop and facilitate scientific knowledge and share related technology in over 30 countries.”

“Due to the ongoing support of the UAE government, the Inter-American Development Bank and other donors, our centre has continued to face key environmental challenges, such as climate change, the lack of food security and the scarcity of water. It has also helped agricultural communities with limited resources in various countries,” Al Wafi added while thanking the UAE government.

“As an international centre hosted by the UAE, we are honoured by the UAE’s government’s ongoing support for our mission. Food security and nutrition is at the top of our priorities and our research and development initiatives, due to their importance to the government, which is also reflected in the appointment of Mariam Hareb Almheiri, who is responsible for future food security. This will make us continue our work to strengthen our co-operation with government authorities, research institutions and universities in the UAE, to support national initiatives related to food security, nutrition and water management,” she said in conclusion.

Source: Emirates News Agency