An Emirati entrepreneur produces 7 crops using hydroponics and sells the produce to “cooperatives”

The Emirati entrepreneur, Omar Mohammed Aidaroos Al-Muzaffari, realized early on the importance of investing in the agricultural sector. He started his agricultural project in 2010 with two greenhouses using the traditional agricultural system. He was able to develop the project to currently produce seven main agricultural crops in 23 greenhouses. He also added hydroponics to traditional agriculture, and created rooms to store crops, after their increase and demand for them increased.

Al-Muzaffari told Emirates Today that he had contracted with a number of cooperative societies to sell crops to them on a daily basis, explaining that “the most important factors for the success of the projects are good marketing of the product, finding logistical solutions for the product to reach the consumer and the various sales centers, conducting sound feasibility studies, and inventorying all Costs accurately, and compared to the price of the final product.

He noted that “the UAE provides a fertile and supportive environment for projects that have witnessed great competition among investors thanks to state support, which is in the interest of the producer and the consumer,” pointing out the paramount importance of investing in the agricultural sector in the UAE, to achieve food security and ensure the availability of all major commodities to consumers throughout the year. At reasonable prices, instead of relying on imports from abroad.

Agriculture sector

In detail, the Emirati entrepreneur, Omar Muhammad Aidaroos Al-Muzaffari, anticipated early on the importance of the agricultural sector, as he began his agricultural project in 2010 with one water desalination plant and two houses protected by the traditional soil farming system. Most of the production was cucumbers and tomatoes, and he sold from The farm is for wholesalers only, noting that his project aimed to benefit from the high and constant demand throughout the year for vegetables and fruits, reduce import operations from abroad, and take advantage of the empty spaces on the farm he owns.

He explained to “Emirates Today” that the project expanded, after the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development launched the “Zari” program, where his project was nominated from the Farmers’ Services Center in the “Nahil” area in Al Ain to benefit from the services of the program that aims to enhance food security in the Emirates and reduce the use of… Water in agriculture, achieving stability in production throughout the year, and following sustainable agricultural practices by empowering Emirati farmers with the necessary education and financing, which increases productivity and efficiency.

Green houses

He noted that after joining the “Zari” program, the project began expanding the number of greenhouses, increasing it to 23 greenhouses, and adding hydroponics. Rooms were also created to store crops, after expanding the number of greenhouses, to meet the growing demand. On project products.

He added that he contracted with a number of cooperative societies to sell crops to them on a daily basis, with the support of the Khalifa Fund. Agricultural crops were also diversified, new crops were added, and sold to cooperative societies in Dubai, noting that “all farm products are currently sold in cooperatives in Dubai, and they include figs.” And cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, dates, okra, and eggplant.”

He stressed that “one of the most important factors for the success of the project, and its subsequent nomination to participate in the His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Award for Agricultural Excellence, is the provision of technical support to farmers in the (Zari) program for two years after the launch of the project, as entrepreneurs benefited greatly from the weekly visits of engineers.” To the farm, they also gained distinguished and new experiences in agricultural practices.”

Al-Muzaffari stressed the utmost importance of investing in the agricultural sector in the Emirates, to achieve food security, and to ensure the availability of all major commodities to consumers throughout the year at reasonable prices, instead of relying on imports from abroad, especially after the “Corona” pandemic revealed the problems of supply chains and the occurrence of a shortage in food. Some goods, their prices suddenly rise.

Tips for entrepreneurs

Regarding the most important tips for new entrepreneurs, Al-Muzaffari said, “The most important factors for success are good marketing of the product, and finding logistical solutions for the product to reach the consumer and various sales centers, in addition to conducting sound feasibility studies, accurately counting all costs, and comparing them to the price of the final product,” noting. A feasibility study was prepared with the help of the “Zari” program, in addition to attending specialized workshops for all farm owners participating in the program, to achieve the maximum possible benefit for the success of the projects, and to answer the various inquiries of entrepreneurs.

Al-Muzaffari noted that the agricultural field is considered a difficult field for some entrepreneurs, especially in light of the water shortage, but this was overcome by introducing modern agricultural systems, such as hydroponics, noting that thanks to state support, projects witnessed great competition among investors. What is in the interest of the producer and the consumer.

He stressed that “the UAE provides a fertile and supportive environment for projects,” stressing that this does not mean repeating projects. Rather, new entrepreneurs must fully study the projects with previous companies in their field, find innovative solutions to the problems facing current projects, and determine ways to overcome them. Considering that this is the starting point for any successful project.