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Zanzibar’s First Lady Explores Sharjah’s Pioneering Efforts in Developing Organic Wheat Varieties

19 January 2026
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Zanzibar’s First Lady Maryam Mwinyi and her accompanying delegation visited Sharjah’s organic wheat project to learn about the emirate’s advanced agricultural practices including state of the art technologies experimental fields, and biotechnology labs dedicated to developing both hard and soft wheat varieties The visit took place at the Meliha wheat farm one of the flagship projects of Ektifa the Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production Establishment under the Department of Agriculture and Livestock

Speaking during the tour, Mwinyi expressed her admiration for the transformation she witnessed saying 

What can I say? It is truly remarkable To see a barren desert turn into a wheat farm spanning more than 1,400 hectares is exceptional I learned so much during this visit seeing each stage closely, from the biotechnology labs to the research and testing phases, and finally to the fully cultivated fields It is a powerful example of how successful projects are built carefully step by step

She added that she received extensive information about the wheat varieties produced in Sharjah and saw firsthand the laboratory results particularly the high protein content, which surpasses that of wheat commonly available in markets. This she noted reflects the lab’s strong performance in developing resilient high quality wheat suited to harsh climatic conditions.

Mwinyi also highlighted how striking it was to see desert land converted into productive fields, pointing out that while the farm has a substantial water reserve the wheat varieties used require very little water an impressive accomplishment. She expressed her appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for launching a project that demonstrates his genuine care for his people noting that the wheat produced is organic safe and highly nutritious.

During the tour the delegation was briefed on the farm’s modern agricultural systems which have helped reduce irrigation water consumption by 30%. They also learned about the diversity and progress achieved in wheat breeding from 34 varieties in the first season to 1,800 varieties this season developed through a specialized hybridization program. These varieties are studied in the region’s first biotechnology lab dedicated to wheat breeding and genetic improvement applying leading practices in sustainable plant production and protection.

These advancements have earned Sharjah recognition from the UN Food and Agriculture Organization FAO highlighting the emirate’s and the UAE’s global role in promoting innovative climate resilient food systems.


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