Envoy calls for agricultural investment in Pakistan

Updated: May 8, 2010 22:26

Ambassador Umar Khan Alisherzai addresses the EWF forum in Jeddah on Wednesday. Seated, from left, are Muneebullah Hussaini, Umer Chapra (IDB adviser and winner of King Faisal Award) and Aftab Islam Agha. (AN photo)

JEDDAH: Pakistan’s ambassador to the Kingdom has called on Saudis to invest in his country’s agricultural sector.

Umar Khan Alisherzai made the call at a business seminar in Jeddah on Wednesday organized by the local branch of the Engineers Welfare Forum (EWF).

There was great potential in agro-based industries in Pakistan, he said, adding that Saudi investors could bring about a revolution in the sector if supported by innovative ideas from Pakistan’s engineers.

Focusing on Pakistani agricultural and engineering expertise, the seminar drew speakers not just from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia but also from the US.

There were also presentations on water security and new construction technology, in particular the use of wire technology of ruse in lightweight buildings and bridges.

The ambassador and other speakers underlined the towering importance of food security in the future and claimed that Pakistan, as a major agricultural producer, could be a major source of food for other consumer countries.

It is the world’s second largest producer of chickpeas and the fifth largest dairy producer, one speaker revealed, adding that food exports were worth $21 billion a year.

The forum’s chairman Jaleel Hassan suggested Pakistan could become “the leader of the whole Muslim Ummah” in food production if it developed its agricultural advantage wisely, adding that agriculture had to become more efficient and better managed.

He and others pointed out to the 400-strong audience of Saudis, Pakistanis and Indians that food security was also dependent on water security.

Future wars around the world would not be about land or people, he claimed, but about water, therefore Pakistan had to protect its water if it was to survive as a food producer.

EWF brings together Muslim engineers from Pakistan, India and elsewhere with the aim of combining Islamic values and technical knowledge and ensuring the welfare of its members in and around Jeddah. The organization’s website (www.ewjf.org) was launched at the forum, as was its magazine.

http://arabnews.com/saudiarabia/article51184.ece

Subaiti fingerlings released into UAE waters

Dubai, 7 May 2010 (WAM) - As part of its strategy for the sustainable development of fisheries and marine resources, the Ministry of Environment & Water has released large quantities of Subaiti (silver porgy) fingerlings into the UAE waters.
Dr Ibrahim Abdullah Al Jamali, Director of the Umm Al Qaiwain-based Marine Resources Research Centre said 28.1% percent of the targeted quantities of Subaiti fingerlings for 2010 have already been released into the waters during the first quarter of the year. He added that the Ministry and the centre had already developed a plan for culturing types of fish that are economically viable such as hammour (grouper), Subaiti and Safi, in order to release their larvae

© Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2010.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidWAM20100507121040734/Subaiti%20fingerlings%20released%20into%20UAE%20waters

More fodder farms to meet growing demand

07 May 2010
DOHA: Qatar will set up several new fodder farms to meet the high demand for green fodder in the local market, the Minister of Municipality and Urban Planning H E Sheikh Abdurrahman bin Khalifa Al Thani has said.

This was disclosed in a letter sent by the Minister to the Central Municipal Council (CMC) in response to the latter's call to address the severe shortage of fodder in the country. The letter was read out by CMC chairman Nasser Al Kaabi during their regular weekly session on Tuesday.

Sheikh Abdurrahman said addressing the phenomenon of rising fodder prices was among the top priorities of the government and for that purpose several farms have already been set up in collaboration with Hassad Company.

To offset the shortage of animal feed in the market and preserving the country's ground water, Hassad has set up a farm in Al Arakiya. Al Rakiya farm is now supplying the local market with consistent quantities of locally produced fodder at competitive prices.

Several new farms are going to be set up in Al Sailiya, Al Reffae and Um Salal localities soon. Similar projects will be launched in Al Khor and Al Dhakhira.

Implementation of these projects is believed to help Qatar achieve food security in the long term as the production of green fodder will bridge the gap between demand and supply. This in return will encourage farmers to raise animals.

The Consumer Protection Department at the Ministry of Business and Trade had announced strict measures to regulate prices of animal feed and curb monopoly.

CMC also discussed a report of its General Services Committee on street lights. The report said that despite CMC's previous recommendations raised to the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), some roads were still suffering from a lack of adequate lighting. This situation is leading to a number of road mishaps, said the committee.

CMC recommended to establish a monitoring centre to follow-up disruption of lights on the roads. It urged AshghalAshghalLoading... to ensure that all roads have proper lighting.

© The Peninsula 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100507055735/Qatar%3A%20More%20fodder%20farms%20to%20meet%20growing%20demand

Philippine, Saudi firms clinch agricultural deal

06 May 2010
JEDDAH - A Philippine-owned agricultural company AgriNurture, Inc. (ANI) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with Far Eastern Agricultural Investment Company (FEAICO) of Saudi Arabia for huge food crop plantations and processing plants in the Philippines, a Philippine daily reported on Wednesday.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange Wednesday, ANI chief finance officer Kenneth Tan said that, based on the MoA, FEAICO shall pursue projects involving the establishment of a commercial sized pineapple, banana, rice and corn plantations and processing facilities, the Manila Bulletin reported. It will also jointly work with ANI for all the needed resources such as land, labor, farm technology and systems.

ANI and FEAICO will establish demo plantations initially and grow gradually through contract growing up to a core area of 50,000 hectares total for pineapple, banana, rice and corn.

These plantations will be used for food crops production for local consumption and export to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other foreign markets that FEAICO and ANI will jointly agree and develop.

The joint venture has anwith initial capitalization of $1 million.

© The Saudi Gazette 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100506045915/Philippine%2C%20Saudi%20firms%20clinch%20agricultural%20deal

Syria Produces 20,000 Tons of Flowers Valued at SP 2.4 Billion

Damascus - Production of flower and roses flourished in Syria recently, with farmers harvesting around 20,000 tons that provide an income of SP 2.4 billion each year.

Chairman of the Damask Rose Committee Mohammad Shabaani pointed out that the Damask rose (rosa damascena), which is the Syrian national flower, has been connected to Damascus and Syria since ancient times. It is grown across Syria, with around 500,000 rose shrubs all over the country.

The Damask rose has considerable economic value and can be an important resource for Syrian economy, Shabaani pointed out, adding that 30 tons of Damask roses are produced each year.

Chairman of the Committee of Private Nurseries in Damascus and its Countryside Abdul Majid al-Hilaiwa said there are 1500 plant nurseries in Syria growing ornamental plans and flowers, producing 3 million flowers per season that are exported to Arab Gulf countries and Europe.

Estimates show that Syria produces around a billion flowers per year distributed among 20 different species.

© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100506052250/Syria%20Produces%2020%2C000%20Tons%20of%20Flowers%20Valued
%20at%20SP%202.4%20Billion

Abu Dhabi to farm bluefin tuna soon

May 05, 2010

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi government hopes to soon begin bluefin tuna culture, using advanced technological support from a top Japanese university, officials disclosed yesterday.

The Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD)Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi (EAD)Loading... inked an agreement with Japan's Kinki University to cooperate in the fields of aqua culture research and development.

A feasibility study on setting up a farm using closed re-circulating aquaculture systems will be prepared in September, with the hopes of launching a pilot project, officials told Gulf News.

While technological aspects and expertise will be the responsibility of the university, EAD will be in charge of the logistical and financial aspects of the project.

"Aquaculture will help us alleviate stress on natural fish stocks and improve food security in the Emirate," Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary General of EAD said.

"We recognise the importance of aquaculture in the development of fish production and the establishment of an environmentally sustainable stock", he added.

The university has been researching the cultivation of Pacific bluefin tuna since the 1970s, and have perfected their techniques over the years, he said. The agreement was signed by Al Mansouri, and Hiroshige Seko, the Vice President of Kinki University.

"Kinki university is a renowned academic research centre in aquaculture. They are the only institution worldwide to have succeeded in farming bluefins from eggs to market size," Thabit Al Abdul Salam, Director of Biodiversity Sector, Marine Environment at EAD said. "We will certainly benefit from their experience," he added. The university will also provide short to medium-term technical training to EAD's Emirati employees in Japan and UAE.

facts

atlantic species

The Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), also known as the northern bluefin tuna, giant bluefin tuna (for larger individuals exceeding 150kg or 300 pounds) and formerly as the tunny, is a species of tuna native to both the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Atlantic bluefin have been recorded in the Black Sea in the past, but are now believed to be extinct there. The Atlantic bluefin tuna is a close relative of the other two bluefin tuna species — the Pacific bluefin tuna and the southern bluefin tuna.

© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_04052010_050519/Abu%20Dhabi%20to%20farm%20bluefin%20tuna%20soon

United Fisheries of Kuwait signs agreement with Comoros Islands

KUWAIT -- Chairman of United Fisheries of Kuwait Khaled Al-Sayegh on Tuesday announced signing an agreement with the Comoros Islands to establish a joint venture to be named (United Comoros Fisheries).

Al-Sayegh told reporters on the sideline of the company's general assembly held here that the agreement stipulate the United Fisheries of Kuwait to provide ships and building fish manufacturing plant in the Comoros Islands, which would cost USD two million.

Al-Sayegh also revealed that the Public Authority for Agriculture and Fisheries have agreed to grant the company a fish cultivation project in Al-Sulaibiya area. The project's cost is estimated by KD three to four million.

The chairman told the general assembly that the company achieved net profit of KD 101,000 last year, compared to KD 70,000 for the year before. He added that sales reached KD 6.1 million, while general and administrative spending was KD 708,800.

Earlier today, the general assembly of the United Fisheries of Kuwait elected a new three-member board for the next three years, as well as approving the company's financial statements and general budget for the fiscal year that ended on December 31, 2009.

© KUNA (Kuwait News Agency) 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100505083507/United%20Fisheries%20of%20Kuwait%20signs%20agreement%20with
%20Comoros%20Islands

Gulf Mushroom set for major capacity expansion

05 May 2010
MUSCAT -- Gulf Mushroom Products Co SAOG, which runs one of the largest mushroom farms in the Middle East, has announced a further expansion in capacity.

The company's Board of Directors, at the meeting on Monday, approved a proposal to increase the farm's capacity by about 50 per cent at a cost of RO 3 million.

To fund the expansion, the Board proposed a Rights Issue of RO 1 million, with the remainder financed through borrowings.

The Board decided to recommend the Rights Issue to shareholders for their approval at an EGM to be announced in due course.

Set up in 1997 as a joint stock company, Gulf MushroomGulf MushroomLoading... Products boasts a state-of-the-art plant based on technology, know-how and machinery acquired from Holland.

The facility has an installed capacity of more than 5 tonnes per day for cultivating and harvesting fresh button mushrooms (Agaricus Bisporous).

The company's products are marketed under the name Gulf Fresh.

To ensure a high degree of quality control, Gulf MushroomGulf MushroomLoading... makes its own compost based on wheat straw using the bare minimum of required chemicals.

Critical raw materials like casing soil and spawn are imported from internationally reputed manufacturers.
During the quarter ended March 31, 2010, the company produced 787 metric tonnes of fresh white button mushrooms compared to 660 metric tonnes produced during the same period last year, entailing an increase of 19 per cent.

The company achieved a sales turnover of RO 1.399 million compared to RO 1.175 million for the same period last year, an increase of 19 per cent.

Gross profit rose 24 per cent to RO 0.846 million compared to a gross profit of RO 0.682 million for the same period last year.

By Staff Reporter

© Oman Daily Observer 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100505041322/Gulf%20Mushroom%20set%20for%20major%20capacity%20expansion

Japan plans to back fertilizer-producing countries

05 May 2010
Tokyo - The Japanese government is mulling plans to back fertilizer-producing countries including Jordan to ensure swift flow of chemical fertilizers deliveries to the world's second largest economy, said a statement released on Tuesday by Japanese Ministry of Agriculture (MoA).

"Japan is planning to provide these countries with necessary technical assistance in mining and environment conservation fields.

Studies in this regard have begun to identify their needs," the statement added.

© Jordan News Agency - Petra 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100505040651/Japan%20plans%20to%20back%20fertilizer-producing%20countries

Wheat, barley harvest begins in Karbala

04 May 2010
KARBALA: The harvest operation of wheat and barley crops started on Tuesday in Karbala on 33,000 donums, according to a local director of the agriculture department.

"The harvest started in the most famous regions with wheat and barley; al-Khayrat and al-Jadwal al-Gharbi districts, east of Karbala, where farmers started to harvest 15,500 donums of barley and 17,524 of wheat," Engineer Razaq al-Taei told Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

He expected an increase in production by 20% this year compared with previous years because of the rainfall.

Karbala is 110 km southwest of Baghdad.

© Aswat Aliraq 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100505074752/Wheat%2C%20barley%20harvest%20begins%20in%20Karbala

13 brands of imported rice laced with arsenic, lead: MP

04 May 2010
TEHRAN - High levels of arsenic and lead have been found in 13 brands of imported rice, announced MP Anushiravan Mohseni Bandpei.

Samples of Aria, Shirkhan, Farhadjan, Kamalolmolki, Kimia, Gol-e Yas, Kimia and Hajimoradi have been found to be contaminated with arsenic or lead, Bandpei, the deputy chairman of the Majlis Health Committee, told the Mehr News Agency on Monday.

The results of the tests will be sent to the Majlis, Health Ministry, Commerce Ministry, and Standard Organization so that the officials can make the final decision, he added.

© Tehran Times 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100504034036/13%20brands%20of%20imported%20rice%20laced%20with%20arsenic%2C%20lead%3A%20MP

Experts focus on food security at IDB meet

Called the Expert Group Meeting (EGM), the deliberations, taking place at IDB headquarters in Jeddah, focus on food-related issues and challenges that the IDB member countries face in the post-crisis world.

The agenda of the meeting, opened by IDB President Ahmad Mohamed Ali, was set by IDB Chief Economist Ifzal Ali, who in his opening remarks, highlighted issues involved in ensuring food security. He said the emergence of major constraints in agriculture on the supply side would need to be progressively relaxed with the provision of adequate public goods and services but more importantly mainstreaming private sector involvement. "In doing better with less in ensuring food security, there is a paramount need for better and smarter governments, not bigger government roles ... Sustaining the development gains of the last half century in the emerging context of rising food prices hinges on ensuring sustainable food security in the 21st century," he said.

Delegates from Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Turkey, Sudan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Egypt and Nigeria as well as representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) are taking part in the meeting.

The final outcome and recommendations will be distributed as a background document to IDB governors for further deliberation during the IDB annual meeting on June 23-24 in Baku, Azerbaijan. It is expected to enable the IBD Group to develop an action plan to further improve security in its member countries.

There were three sessions on Sunday - "Climate Change and Food Security, "Priorities for Transforming Agriculture," and "National/Regional Food Strategy for IDB Member Countries." On Monday, the topics are "Fostering inter-OIC FDI in the agriculture sector," "Fostering intra-trade in agricultural commodities," and "Public and private partnership: Shifting the balance of activities."

Experts feel that achieving food security requires increasing food availability, food access and food adequacy for all. Since food insecurity is directly related to poverty, it is necessary not only to alleviate poverty but also create wealth for the target population. Thus, the experts are of the view that the agricultural sector must be at the center of the development agenda in order to enhance food security in member countries.

http://arabnews.com/economy/article49492.ece

Self-Sufficiency in Wheat

03 May 2010

Iran expects to have domestic wheat production of over 11 million tons this year, the deputy agriculture minister said on Sunday.

"It is predicted that country's wheat production will exceed 11 million tons in the current year which is above the self-sufficiency level," Mohammad Reza Jahansouz was quoted by Fars News Agency as saying.

He gave no comparative figure.

Officials said last month Iran would export 2 million tons of wheat to three Arab countries in May after a three-year halt.

In 2004, Iran celebrated self-sufficiency in wheat production but cold winter weather in 2007-08 followed by drought hit agricultural output and forced it to resume importing the grain.

The government has made arrangements so that the private sector can export wheat at competitive prices.

According to officials, Iran imported 4 million tons of wheat in the past eight months, paying the equivalent of around $1 billion.

The country imported 5.9 million tons of wheat in the 2008-09 year, of which about 15 percent came from the United States.

Iran for the first time exported 40,000 tons of wheat to Oman in 2007-08.

© Iran Daily 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100503051224/Self-Sufficiency%20in%20Wheat%20in%20Iran/

Nothing fishy about it

3 May 2010
DUBAI — A staple diet for millions in the world, seafood is both delicious and nutritious.

Being the only proprietors of certain proteins and Omega 3 fatty acids, their nutritional value has been to a great extent over-emphasised in the last few decades, leading to over exploitation of fish around the world.

Great taste, natural abundance and greater value for money are also some of the factors driving excessive commercialisation of seafood. The growing popularity of fish can be assessed by the fact that over 80 per cent of the world’s main fish stocks are considered as fully exploited, overexploited, depleted or recovering from depletion.

A seafaring and fish-eating civilisation from the prehistoric days, the current state of the UAE’s fish stock is not much different from other countries in the world. But the situation in the UAE was never as critical as it is today. The downturn began in the last few decades, when the country’s population began growing exponentially, turning the fisheries into a commercial industry. This reflects in the fact that 66 per cent of the UAE’s wide-ranging demographic likes to enjoy fish at least once in a week.

At 80 per cent the average decline of the UAE’s main fish stock is exactly the same as that of rest of the world, but what is alarming is its partial favouring of a certain species. Overfished seven times beyond the sustainable level, Hamour (Orange Spotted Grouper) tops the overexploited species list with a decline of 87 to 92 per cent since 1978. Following closely behind are Kingfish and Painted Sweetlips.

Although there is a Federal Law No.23 of 1999 that governs the fishing industry in the UAE and there are also restrictions and regulations in place at the local level – quotas, size restrictions, limited use of traps and most importantly cessation in issuing new fishing licences – the situation is getting from bad to worse.

Under the circumstances, the Emirates Wildlife Society seems to have thought that the best way to tackle the problem is by creating awareness among the end-users – the consumers.

The EWS in association with Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) and Dubai Municipality (DM) earlier this week launched a nationwide sustainable fisheries campaign by calling upon the consumers to ‘Choose Wisely.’

‘Choose Wisely,’ part of the EWS’ drive for sustainable living and conservation of biodiversity, aims at driving the consumers away from the eight most exploited fish varieties, including Hamour and Kingfish, and towards the less exploited but equally delicious alternatives.

“The UAE waters have experienced 80 per cent decline in fish stock over the last three decades due to overfishing. Our campaign is targeting consumers and we are trying to highlight the evils of overfishing and communicate the status of fish stocks in the UAE. We are also trying to provide solutions and practical tools that consumers can use in making sustainable choices,” said Nessrine Al Zahlawi, Marine Biologist and coordinator of the fish conservation campaign at EWS.

The EWS has come up with a consumer guide enlisting nineteen popular fish species with their corresponding levels of stock by placing the most exploited, the less exploited and the least exploited under three different lists of Red, Orange and Green respectively. Encouraged by the positive response to a recent survey which showed that 70 per cent of the consumers wouldn’t buy a particular fish species if they know it’s being overfished, the Society aims to use the consumer guide as its main tool in creating awareness.

“We have found through a survey that if you educate people that a certain variety is being overfished, they are less likely to buy it,” added Al Zahlawi explaining the results of a consumer survey.

Apart from the consumer guide, the EWS also has several other handy tools up its sleeves which includes a website full of information, a sustainable fish dish challenge, and a programme to get the food industry on board.

“The website, www.choosewisely.ae, is also one of our main tools. It our the main portal of resources, where people can find all the information about fishing in the UAE, status of several species as well as ideas on how they can help and how they can get involved,” Al Zahlawai continued, elaborating on the utility of the website. One of the ways to get involved is to participate in the five-month ‘Sustainable Fish Dish Challenge’ through the website.

The Society is also targeting retailers and other players of the food industry like supermarkets, fish markets, restaurants and hotels to promote sustainable varieties of fish and communicate the issue to their staff and their costumers.

“We are in touch with supermarkets and restaurants to try and work out plans to promote ‘green fish’. One of our ideas is to place the consumer guides at the fish counters, the retailers can also help by labeling the different varieties of fish,” added Al Zahlawi.

Recreational Fishing

-Take extreme care while casting to prevent injury to pedestrians (Avoid fishing in public areas).

-Always keep license handy for inspection.

-Catching crabs, squids, cattle fish, mussels & Juvenile fishes is prohibited.

-Fishing in Sanctuaries, swimming beaches, shipping areas & private places is prohibited.

-Enjoy fishing. Do not over fish. Clean the area before leaving.

-Always throw back alive, undersize, unwanted, or inedible aquatic animals.

-Remember: Fishing without license or with invalid licence will be subjected to penalty/prosecution.

-Permit is restricted only to one rod/line with 2-3 hooks.

-Dubai Municipality Environment Dept stopped issuing recreational fishing licence during summer season (from July to September) every year.

-Recreational fishing licence is valid for angling only in areas of Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud Bridges, and Al Seif road of Dubai Creek, Jumaira, and Umm Suqeim beaches.


Impact On Aquatic Life

-Studies show that many varieties of fish are caught beyond sustainable levels in the UAE. This has had a serious impact on the aquatic life:

-The age factor: Hamour can live up to 30 years, but today, the oldest fish that can be found is only 11 years old.

-Caught Young: Most fish we find on the market today are juveniles. These fish have not had a chance to mature and produce eggs. In the case of Kingfish, 95 per cent of landed fish are immature. Similarly, for Zuraidi fish, 71 per cent of the catch --comprises of fish smaller than the size at which they reach maturity.

-Imbalance in gender ratio: For some species, more females than males are naturally present in the population (e.g. Hamour). However large ones are heavily targeted by fishing. Since these are usually male, the sex ratio becomes even more imbalanced. This interferes with the species’ ability to reproduce.

-Last year, Gargoor traps caught 736 tonnes of Hamour and 346 tonnes of Shaari in Abu Dhabi alone, making up 43.2% of the total fish catch in the emirate.

-Total value of the fish industry in the Abu Dhabi Emirate alone is estimated at Dh104.8 million.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/May/theuae_May57.xml&section=theuae&col=

Big increase in meat consumption in Dubai

3 May 2010
DUBAI — Dubai’s meat consumption has increased dramatically if the number of animals imported for slaughtering is an indication.

Dubai Municipality has recorded a steep increase in the number of farm animals brought for tests after being imported through various ports in the emirate this year.

The civic body’s Veterinary Services Section, which conducts various tests on imported livestock to ensure animal and public health safety received 3,52,610 animals during the first quarter of this year — an 80 per cent increase from the 196,143 figure for the same period in 2009.

Head of the section Hashim Al Awadhi, told Khaleej Times that 80 per cent of the livestock are imported for slaughtering. “Only 20 per cent goes for breeding,” he said.

The official attributed the steep hike in livestock imports to increased meat consumption and resumption of livestock imports from Somalia after the ban on the country’s livestock was lifted by the UAE’s federal authorities.

“Somalia, India and Pakistan are three major countries from where we receive cows, sheep and goats. Somalia is sending a lot of livestock these days after the Ministry (of Environment and Water) lifted the ban on their imports,” he explained.

The Veterinary Quarantine Unit in the section tests all imported animals, and inspects shipments of animal foods imported and intended for re-export to ensure that they comply with required health and safety specifications in the emirate.

According to Al Awadhi, there has also been an increase in the number of shipments of imported animal feeds during the first quarter of this year. He said there were 273 shipments as compared to 237 shipments in 2009, recording a rise of 15 per cent.

A significant increase has been recorded in the number of pet food items registered with the section. A total 600 new types of pet foods were registered this year while there were only 197 new pet food items registered during the same period last year.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/May/theuae_May60.xml&section=theuae&col=

$625m Jordanian-Indian project to start in 2nd half of 2010
JPMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Walid Kurdi (centre) shakes hands with a representative of SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. after signing an agreement on Thursday.

AMMAN - Implementation of a $625 million Jordanian-Indian project for manufacturing phosphoric acid will start in the second half of 2010, the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) announced Saturday.

The JPMC said it has signed an agreement last Thursday with SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., an engineering and construction group, to implement the project, owned by Jordan India Fertiliser Company (JIFCO).

JIFCO is a joint venture between the JPMC and Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd. (IFFCO) which is owned by 40,000 farmers’ cooperative societies with a membership base of 50 million farmers in India.

JPMC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Walid Kurdi told The Jordan Times Saturday that the project is one of the ventures by the JPMC to expand the production of phosphoric acid and other fertilisers demand on which is largely growing across the world due to their importance to the agricultural sector.

The project, located in Maan Governorate, about 330 kilometres to the south of the capital, will start commercial operation late 2012, according to Kurdi.

The project entails creating a plant for sulphuric acid with a capacity of 4,500 tonnes per day (tpd) and a phosphoric acid plant with a capacity of 1,500 tpd, in addition to facilities.

It will create 2,000 jobs in the construction phase and 800 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs when the plant goes operational, according to the owners.

The project is also expected to earn the Kingdom about $300 million in export revenues annually.

SNC-Lavalin Group Inc. began as a small Montreal engineering consulting office, opened by Arthur Surveyer in 1911. Growing steadily over the years, this original counsulting office built a solid reputation for excellence across Canada in the civil engineering and power sectors, and was one of the first to venture into the new field of industrial plant design, according to the group's website.

2 May 2010

http://jordantimes.com/?news=26180

Abu Dhabi gets strict on slaughter
house regulations


02 May 2010
ABU DHABI — Officials of the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority stressed on the pre-slaughter medical check up for animals and the stringent safety measures to prevent livestock from contagious diseases.

A number of presentations were delivered by experts including on diseases that human beings can contract from animals at a seminar organised by the Animal and Plant Health Division of the ADFCA at Royal Meridien hotel in the Capital.

The officials recommended the implementation of world class safety standards in all slaughter houses in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, numbering and registration of animals in a way that facilitates tracing the origin of contagious diseases and the stern enforcement of the rules not to butcher animals in places others than the designated slaughterhouses in the emirate.

Ahmed Kulaib Al Tunaiji, executive director of Animal and Plant Health at ADFCA stressed on the importance of veterinary examinations of animals before and after slaughter and termed it as essential to ensure they are fit for human consumption.

“The safety aspect of slaughter houses in the Arab world is not just a public health issue, but also one that has religious and cultural implications,” Al Tunaiji pointed out while delivering the opening remarks at the seminar.

They all stressed the fact that utmost care in matters of hygiene and food safety in slaughter houses would go a long way in ensuring public health in the emirate including the well being of the workers in the slaughterhouses themselves. The speakers at the seminar emphasised on the need for informing the owners and workers of the 48 animal breeding farms in the emirate of Abu Dhabi on the critical importance of taking the community
into confidence.

Illustrated presentations were made by experts about the differences between slaughterhouses in the emirate in the past and at present, testifying the role of ADFCA in this regard.

Speakers at the event included Dr Mutasim Abdul Noor and Mohamed Al Fatih Hamad of ADFCA’s animal and plant health section, Dr Husain Ilmi from Abu Dhabi Municipality, Helen Nicks of the Health Authority of Abu Dhabi and Dr Musthafa Omar of Abu Dhabi Modern Poultry Farm.
Sheep shipment destroyed

The Ministry of Environment and Water has destroyed a shipment of 203 heads of sheep found infected with plague of small ruminants, foot-and-mouth disease, and Brosella.

Abdullah Al Janan, Director of Veterinary Quarantine, said blood tests have shown that 35 heads were infected with foot- and - mouth disease, 60 with plague of small ruminants and 73 with Brosella.

“The Ministry is seeking to implement its strategy on biosecurity by implementing health standards on imports through land, sea and air ports,” he added.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/May/theuae_May28.xml&section=theuae&col=

Arab seafood industry entering global markets

01 May 2010
JEDDAH - The nascent seafood industry in the Arab World has good prospects of growth and expansion as public awareness on the health benefits of sea food consumptions, said a seafood representatives from the region.

"The seafood industry in the Gulf is developing and it is mostly because of change in diet. There is a focus on the Middle East on healthier eating and seafood provides a healthy balanced diet," Kuwait News Agency quoted Laurence Coo, director of communications of the privately-owned Saudi National Prawn Company as saying at the three-day Brussels Seafood Fair that ended on Thursday.

The fair has attracted buyers and sellers from over 140 countries around the world with over 1600 exhibitors.

Situated on the Red Sea coast south of Jeddah, NPC is said to be the largest fully integrated desert prawn farms in the world.

The company has 12 farms and each farm has 10 ponds which produces 15,000 tons of white prawn sold in the Kingdom and exported around the world. "We believe certainly there is a future of seafood industry in the Gulf. There is obviously interest in places like Yemen and Oman anyway with farming operations. I believe that there is potential in desert areas. We are looking at opportunities and new projects," said Cooke".

Ahmad R. Al-Balla, managing director of NPC, said "we cover the local market and the GCC and about 70 percent of our products is exported to Asia and Europe." He said that NPC which employs 3000 people is completely self sufficient in every facet from power and water through to pond, plant and infrastructure.

We now have locally-produced high standard products which are readily available in fresh format. We are seeing that there is a growing interest in our products in the region," Al-Balla pointed out. "We are launching products in the regional markets visible to the people and natural health food concerns everybody. In GCC countries people have the money and naturally they will select the good food once it is available," he added.

The Saudi seafood entrepreneur said they have been participating in the Brussels seafood fair for the last six, seven years and "Inshallah will continue to come."

© The Saudi Gazette 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100501050536/Arab%20seafood%20industry%20entering%20global%20markets%20/

The high cost of ground water depletion

Liwa farmer has to dig deeper bore wells and spend extra money on desalination

Published: 00:00 May 1, 2010

Mohammad Saeed Al Hameli, a prominent Emirati farmer in Liwa at his farm which produces about 250 tonnes of vegetables per month during the season.


Liwa: He deepened his bore well in his farm by 200 feet during the past 18 years, in search of water which has already turned saline.

"No regular rain here…so the ground water is depleting and getting saline," said Mohammad Saeed Al Hameli, 40, a prominent Emirati farmer in Liwa in Al Gharbia (formerly western region) when Gulf News visited his farm recently. The farm produces 250 tonnes of vegetables every month during the season.

The situation has prompted him to establish two desalination plants and introduce water saving farming techniques in the farm.

Al Hameli first dug a 100 feet deep bore well in 1992 which was further deepened into 140 feet in 2000 and 300 feet in 2009.

"But, I have to say the situation is better here, some of my friends in Al Ain told me they dug 1,000 feet deep bore well," he said.

Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi (EAD) had warned recently that emirate's ground water will be fully depleted within 50 years, if the water consumption was not controlled. EAD has drawn a water resources management project to protect the ground water resources. .

The agricultural season begins in October and ends by March. "During the summer the produce goes down by 40 per cent," he said.

Variety of vegetables

Various varieties of vegetables such as tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, pumpkin, capsicum and cucumber are grown in 310 greenhouses with 75 employees.

In 2004, Al Hameli found the water from the bore well was saline, so he made two desalination plants costing around Dh150,000. "That's an additional expense farmers have to incur for pure water; Dh 2,000 is the monthly operational costs of a plant," he said.

The salinity goes up due to lack of rain , he says.

"In 2004, the salinity was 4,000 ppm (parts per million) which was doubled to 8,000 ppm in 2009."

He said due to these extra expenses he doesn't find farming profitable. "Still I continue it for the passion… It may give returns any time in [the] future," said Al Hameli who started farming in 1992.

A graduate in administration from HCT (Higher Colleges of Technology) and an employee with an Abu Dhabi government organisation, he sees farming as a passion.

That passion takes him into international agricultural exhibitions.

Al Hameli visited such an exhibition in China recently.

"Considering the shortage of fresh water, water- saving farming techniques like hydroponics are the only solution," he says. That realisation took him to an exhibition in Singapore which showcased soil-less farming techniques.

"I learnt about hydroponics [the cultivation of plants in a nutrient liquid with or without gravel or another supporting medium] from there and introduced its two versions — pond hydroponics and ‘A' shaped hydroponics — in the farm one and half years ago," he said.

The system saves at least 80 per cent of the water used for irrigation.

He has set aside 40 greenhouses for hydroponics. The rest of the 270 greenhouses work on drip irrigation system. "I read a lot of books and material on [the] internet to enhance [my] water-saving technique," he said.

Al Hameli feels a sense of fulfilment when he sees fully grown vegetables in different colours and sizes.

"The farm produces around two tonnes of capsicum per month, in seven colours," he said.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/the-high-cost-of-ground-water-depletion-1.620414

Oman: Govt to boost wheat output

29 April 2010
MUSCAT: Following a drastic hike in the price of wheat in global markets, the government is mulling offering incentives, and technology, to grow more wheat locally.

Sources say productivity of wheat per unit area has increased from 900kg in 2007-08 to 1,600kg in 2008-09, but the global scenario is not encouraging.

According to International Grain Council (IGC), global wheat production may dip 21 million tonnes to 653 million tonnes in 2010-11 due to a drop in output in the US.

The Sultanate imports 99 per cent of its wheat requirement from countries like Argentina, Kazakhstan, Mexico and Australia.

Sources in the Agriculture Ministry say low wheat production has been a cause of concern for many years but a project recently initiated to increase output is yielding "fairly good results".

Meanwhile, alarmed over the slump in wheat production and rising costs, a ministry official said, "Drought is the most important challenge and efforts are on to address the issue on a war footing."

"The cultivation of wheat under local conditions in the Sultanate needs extensive management with specific programmes and clearly defined objectives.

"A plan to increase productivity is being implemented by farmers in main production areas to achieve sustainability, and thereby increase the wheat acreage," the official said.

According to a recent family income and expenditure field survey of both Omani and expatriate households conducted by the National Economy Ministry, average per capita consumption of flour and related products in the Sultanate was 33.7 per cent.

Lesser wheat acreage
In Oman, the area under wheat cultivation in the eighties and beginning of nineties was 2,000 acres, which has gone down considerably to 800 acres in recent years.

Expansion in yield of other crops and farmers searching of greener pastures -- extra cash -- while abandoning wheat has contributed to declining wheat acreage, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

Incentives
The ministry, in the mid-eighties, had initiated an action plan to enhance production of wheat. Funds for breeding improved varieties and seeds were also made available to farmers for free. However, the project was slow in implementation, and production declined.

"The Ministry of Agriculture provides seeds and machinery free to farmers willing to implement these projects, thus greatly reducing costs and improving quality and providing an important commodity of strategic goods in the markets of the Sultanate as a producer of wheat for domestic consumption," said a senior official in the ministry. -With inputs from Fahad Al Mukrashi

By Aftab H. Kola

© Times of Oman 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100429040441/Oman%3A%20Govt%20to%20boost%20wheat%20output%20%20/

BankMuscat rolls out electronic card payment at Ministry of Agriculture

29 April 2010
MUSCAT -- BankMuscat, the leading financial services provider in the Sultanate, recently signed an agreement with the Ministry of Agriculture to introduce electronic card payment facility for all fee-based services offered by the Ministry.

Sayyid Mohammed bin Soud al Busaidy, Director-General of Administrative and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Sulaiman bin Hamed al Harthy, Group DGM, Consumer Banking, signed the agreement.

Putting in place an effective and secure platform for electronic card payment at the ministry, the new facility marks a major milestone as all bank cards carrying Visa or MasterCard affiliation can be used as the mode of payment at the counters.

Commenting on the facility, Sulaiman al Harthy said: "BankMuscat is proud to offer its state-of-the-art card acquiring facility for the Ministry of Agriculture.

The card acquiring service reflects the bank's commitment to work closely with government agencies in improving the financial infrastructure in the country.

Ushering in convenience for customers and eliminating cash transactions, the new facility streamlines payment and improves the delivery of government services. The ministry's association with BankMuscat in launching this service ensures that the facility will be effectively and professionally managed.

The feedback on BankMuscat's card-acquiring support for goods and services offered by the government has been very positive. The card payment facility is presently available at the Royal Oman Police (ROP) directorates, Muscat Municipality, Dhofar Municipality, the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Housing, Ministry of Justice, and Public Prosecution departments across the country.

Ever since BankMuscat commenced its card acquiring operations in 2002, many milestones have been achieved with the support of partners and customers. Presently, BankMuscatBankMuscatLoading... is the largest acquirer and issuer of cards in Oman.

Marking yet another pioneering step, BankMuscat was chosen as a partner to launch the e-Purse project, a state-of-the-art 'Cash on Card' solution involving the electronic chip-based National ID card and Resident Cards.

Establishing a strong network of government and commercial entities, BankMuscatBankMuscatLoading... has deployed over 4,500 point of sales (PoS) card acquiring terminals across the country to support electronic payment in the country and continues to expand rapidly.

By Staff Reporter

© Oman Daily Observer 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100429035245/BankMuscat%20rolls%20out%20electronic%20card%20payment%20at
%20Ministry%20of%20Agriculture%20/

Green and clean


Thursday, Apr 29, 2010

How big is the organic market?

The world's organic food market has been growing at a rate of 20-24 per cent annually.

The organic industry is estimated to have generated sales of $32 billion (Dh117.44 billion) in 2009. In the GCC, the market is valued at around $300 million (Dh1.1 billion). The global market grew by 10.9 per cent in 2007, reaching $43.5 billion (Dh159.6 billion). In 2012, this market is projected to have a value of $66.8 billion (Dh245 billion), a 53.6 per cent increase since 2007.

Although currently only a small number of UAE farms grows organic produce, the government has set a target of 3,000 hectares of agricultural land to be dedicated to organic farming. The most popular organic produce within the UAE is baby food, while fruits, vegetables and breakfast cereals are also big sellers.

Source: freshplaza.com and Alyasra Food Co

Certification

Certification for organic farming is done through the UAE Ministry of Agriculture.

Farms that want to become organic are inspected unannounced regularly.

The soil and crops are both tested. No pesticides or insecticides can be used. The fertiliser must also be organic.

There must be a diversity in crops and animals and they must not be from traditional intensive farming stock.

All seeds and plants used on the farm need to have an organic certification. Crops must acclimatise with environmental conditions.

Municipal waste water must not be used as it contains chemicals and heavy metals like mercury.?Source: THE UAE Ministry of Environment and Water

60

the varieties of vegetables grown at Nazwa

Dubai A passion for healthy food was the driving force behind turning a once desolate part of the desert into one of UAE's biggest organic farms.

The 42-acre Nazwa Organic Farm sits just off the Dubai-Hatta Road, around 40km out of Dubai, and produces over 60 varieties of vegetables, including potatoes, three varieties of capsicums and strawberries.

For the last decade it has been delivering its produce to residents in the Arabian Ranches, but has now expanded its operation with a farm shop at Umm Suqeim, off Al Manara Road.

Sandra Alonso, a Swiss expat in the Arabian Ranches, has been ordering vegetable boxes since the turn of the year. "The vegetables are harvested everyday and are very fresh. It's has no chemicals and that makes it unique. You just can't get that from supermarkets."

Fellow Ranches resident, Anna Hayworth, a British expat, has been shopping at the new Umm Suqeim store since it opened this month. "It's wonderful. You park up and the smell of basil wafts through the air," she said.

For Abdullah Saeed Abdullah Belhab, the Emirati owner of the farm, it has been a labour of love that is now on the verge of becoming a viable business proposition.

Shielded from the noise and dust of nearby roads, the farm has a mix of giant air-conditioned (30° Celsius) greenhouses with rows of green crops. It also has an area for chickens. "A lot of hard work has gone into making this farm into what it is now. It's been a real passion for me and now we want to take our produce to more people," Belhab said.

unique aspect

The produce is delivered twice a week to around 170 customers at Arabian Ranches, more often by the farm's General Manager, Elena Kinane, who has been living in the UAE for 13 years and is now deeply involved in the business.

"The unique thing about the farm as compared to big European organic farms is that we don't use any chemicals on our produce. Many people don't know that the organic vegetables they buy from the supermarkets are treated with chemicals to preserve them during the long journey from Europe. This means that the vegetables we produce cannot be transported long distances and must be eaten on the same day to enjoy their freshness," she said.

The impact of not using pesticides and insecticides is that less is produced, which in turn pushes up the cost of the vegetables.

"We could charge a lot more for what we produce, but we don't because we want to encourage people to eat healthy organic food and to do that you must offer quality produce at attractive price.

"Commercial vegetables appear bigger because they are mostly water. What people don't realise is that the longer a vegetable or fruit is produced the more it loses its nutrients. So when people think they are eating healthily they are not," Elena added.

However, going 100 per cent organic is risky. With no chemicals to protect crops from the hot and humid Dubai summer, the produce can easily get spoiled. The farm's entire broccoli crop, for example, was ruined after a sudden change in weather. "Over the last decade we did a lot of trial and error methods to find out what works best in this climate," she said.

There are considerable start-up costs with each of the new 45 greenhouses coming at a price of Dh5 million and a monthly electricity bill of Dh25,000.

A potential move to solar power may reduce this bill but will require a significant initial investment.

Running an organic farm in a desert presents obvious problems, including irrigating the crops. Nazwa uses around 50,000 gallons of water each day from its own underground well. Various kinds of vegetables are planted together so that they use up different nutrients in the soil, thereby allowing the soil to remain fertile.

"You'll see vegetables at various stages of growth. It's a labour-intensive job as we need to have people going around picking up the ripe ones. Generally, the quantities we produce are less when you compare us to other farms, but our aim is not to become a big commercial farm and export the produce. We want to stay rooted to selling vegetables to people in Dubai, thereby educating the younger generation on the benefits of going organic."

After two years of testing and inspections by the Ministry of Agriculture, the farm was given a gold certificate as it met the country's organic standards in September 2009.

"The standards we had to meet were higher than those in most European nations," Elena said.

The recognition has helped in expanding the business. The farm is now looking at cultivating more varieties of vegetables, even fruits for the first time and also increasing the number of chickens.

Work has also begun on a farm shop at Umm Suqeim, which will mean workers will harvest crops on a daily basis.

The produce will also be delivered to The Springs, The Greens, the Green Community, Emirates Hills and Motor City.

By Nadeem Hanif

© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_28042010_290451/Green%20and%20clean/

Biosaline agriculture centre receives funds boost

The Dubai-based International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) has been given an injection of $13 million (Dh47.7m) in new grants. This includes $8m from the UAE Government and the Islamic Development Bank, and an approval for a further $5m from a consortium of four funds.

The centre signed an agreement two weeks ago to renew its financial support from the UAE Government and the Islamic Development Bank, both sole financiers of the centre since its inception.

They have now pledged their support once again with the $8m injection.

"Both parties will share the core budget of the centre, 60 per cent will be paid by the government and the rest by the Islamic Development Bank," said Dr Shawki Barghouti, the Director-General of the centre.

Meanwhile, the centre has attracted the attention of international movers and shakers in this new area of businesses, particularly in its quest for finding alternative salt-resistant crops, as well as for its research concerning the shortages of fresh water for agricultural and urban landscaping in the Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia.

Dr Barghouti said the bodies that will put up the other $5m in grants include the International Fund for Agricultural Development in Rome, the Kuwait-based Arab Fund for Economic and Social Developments and the Opec Fund for International Development in Vienna.

Desalination
Among the projects the centre is currently involved in is one revolving around desalination management on a farm level. It is a project the centre is undertaking with the Ministry of Environment and WaterMinistry of Environment and WaterLoading....

"We have a large number of farmers in the UAE, who are using ground water for irrigation, and ground water has salt, and the salt has to be removed, but the question is how to manage this in a clean manner," said Dr Barghouti.

According to recent reports by the Japanese financial holding company Nomura, the UAE currently ranks second - regionally and internationally - after Saudi Arabia in its desalination capacity (9,046,824 cubic metres a day).?

This is in line with the UAE's vision of ambitious urban development. However, a consequence of such expansionist economic activities will be that more people are required and consumption will rise exponentially.

"So definitely water will be a major requirement for a growing population as well as economic activity. However, by increasing desalination, there is an increased investment in a technology that has environmental implications, one of them is the increased carbon dioxide footprint as more energy usage is needed," he said.

"Also, desalination requires certain investment in chemicals in order to process the water from the sea, and again, these chemicals are thrown again back in the sea ... it is all pollution."

According to Dr Barghouti, when one gallon of water is taken from the sea, only 30 per cent of it is drinkable, and the remainder, what is called the brine, has to be thrown back into the sea. This brine material only increases the sea's delicate balance of salts, therefore disrupting the whole ecosystem with major environmental implications.

"I am not against desalination because there is no other option, but it has to be done very carefully, and new technology has to be developed that produces less pollution. This is why there is a lot of talk to use the solar energy instead.

"There is also a need to design different types of desalination that reduce the impact of brine and the chemicals. It definitely needs more research, and requires more of public policy, regulations and standards, and this is what the government is trying to do," he said.

One particular problem in the UAE is the increasing number of farmers who are installing small desalination plants in order to improve the quality of the ground water for irrigation. The centre is currently studying the management of the ensuing brine, and how to stave off its contaminating, polluting effects on land and sea.

Salt crops
Dr Barghouti says the centre is also trying to develop new crops that can live on salt water, hence biosaline.

"In this regard, desalination is not required, but [farmers] can make use of crops that can tolerate the [high] levels of salt in the country's soil,"?he said, adding that several different kinds of crops were being studied.

Among these, he said, is barley, which is far more attractive as compared to wheat when planting in saline conditions. "We are also doing research for certain date palm trees that can tolerate salt. We are also developing forage crops to feed animals which can live on salt. Our scientists are working on developing vegetables and fruits which are biosaline. There are other parts of our research to developing forestries and shrubs that can also provide the green cover," he said.

Plantation experiments are being conducted on over 500 hectares of land, he said. "We are selecting some of the varieties and species which can tolerate salty water and can survive for a long time, such as 60 to 80 years."

There are about 2,500 farmers in the UAE that are benefiting from the centre's knowledge, findings and training. And across the entire Arab World, he said, there are 15,000 farmers making use of the centre's knowledge, findings, and training. In total, about 200,000 hectares of land that have benefited from the centre's development in technology when it comes to planting salt resistant crops, and better irrigation system and salt management in the soil.

Challenges
The region's dependency on food imports, according to Dr Barghouti, has thrown up a series of challenges and threats to the region's food security are serious.

"On average, the region imports are about 60-70 per cent of its basic requirement from outside, and there is no way that we are going to be able to reduce the dependency on foreign markets, especially with the decline in the water availability and quality in the same time," he said.

The region's fresh water resources have been committed to the maximum and with high water costs and desalination costs included, food import is the likely scenario that will stay. "It is better to import than produce, and the trend is going to be on the increase, for example wheat imports are much cheaper compared to wheat produced locally."

He said food security will not be managed by increased production, but rather as part of a well-managed strategy by improving food storage and trade policies. "Any other kind of attempt will be like fooling ourselves. And if they want to go to grow wheat elsewhere again, it is not going to be as cheap as it includes building infrastructure, storage facilities, silos, etc.

"Most of these arable lands ready for agriculture investment belong to poorer countries, and having trucks loaded with food stuff being sent to richer countries is not morally right, the high costs of transportation and infrastructure building notwithstanding.

He said authorities in the region should import greater amounts of foodgrains when prices are low in the international market, so as to maintain stocks in the country.

"To start growing more is a fallacy that won't be happening. It is a global issue after all, and there are only few areas in the world where the wheat and production of grains will be stable - central Europe, Russia, North America."

Looking to the challenges that lie ahead, Dr Barghouti said the past continues to affect the present, including but not limited to the quantity of water for irrigation and its deteriorating quality. Other challenges, he said, are the climate change and the randomness of rainfall.

The centre is in the process of building a knowledge base on crops that can thrive in conditions of high salinity, as well as expanding research on water management.

He said the new funds would work to benefit the countries in the region. "We have 22 countries that are members of the centre,"?he said.

Most of the research in the region so far have been done to increase crops under good or normal conditions, however IDBIDBLoading... and the UAE Government think that our region does not have easy conditions. "How to make our difficult conditions productive, that is a very challenging objective...and it is wonderful to be pioneers and innovators in this field."

By Dina Al Shibeeb

© Emirates Business 24/7 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100428054811/Biosaline%20agriculture%20centre%20receives%20funds%20boost/

China seizes millions of toxic food containers

28 April 2010
BEIJING - Authorities in China have seized more than seven million toxic disposable food containers, state media reported on Wednesday, in the latest product safety scare to hit the nation.

Seven companies in the eastern province of Jiangxi were busted for manufacturing the long-banned foam boxes using plastic waste and fluorescent whitening agents, the official China Daily newspaper said.

Disposable food containers are routinely used by restaurants across China. Authorities banned foam boxes in 1999, but they can still be found in many parts of the country.

The warmth of a hot meal causes toxic elements used to make the foam containers to seep into the food. Those substances can damage people’s livers, kidneys and reproductive systems.

According to the report, authorities seized a total of 7.2 million unsafe foam boxes in the provincial capital Nanchang and enough raw materials to make 10 million more.

They were found on sale in the city and in other areas of eastern China including Shanghai.

Employees of the Hong Kong-based International Food Packaging Association had visited a local market in Nanchang before the raids and reported foam boxes were “giving off a heavy smell of plastic waste,” the report said.

China is regularly hit by product safety scandals despite government pledges to clean up the food industry.

Last month, authorities ordered inspections of cooking oil nationwide after reports said up to one-tenth of China’s supplies contained cancer-causing agents.

Peddlers in the central province of Hunan were also reportedly found soaking dry soybeans in green dye and selling them as fresh green beans.

And in 2008, at least six babies died and 300,000 others fell ill after consuming milk products tainted with the industrial chemical melamine.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2010/April/international_April1464.xml&section=international&col=

Western Australia seeks to diversify trade basket

28 April 2010
DUBAI -- Western Australia, which has a significant stake in the UAE-Australia trade ties, is to diversify its trade basket as it gears up for a major export and two-way investment push in the Gulf region, a senior official of the country's largest state said on Tuesday.

The state, known for its vast mineral resources, commodities and education services, contributes 65 per cent to the overall Australian trade with the UAE, said Pankaj Savara, Regional Director and Trade Commissioner of the Dubai-based Western Australian Trade Office - Middle East (WATO-ME).

"Our bilateral trade with the UAE has been growing at a steady pace over the years and has clocked A$4.2 billion in 2009, out of which exports to the Emirates alone was valued at A$2.4 billion and imports A$1.8 billion," said Savara.

He said there would be significant expansion in the level of trade in the coming years with the trade basket poised to diversify from the current minerals and commodities to include exports of agri-business and food products.

WATO-ME is mandated to nurture growth in exports from Western Australia to the Middle East North Africa region with focus on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. "Our charter is to promote trade and encourage investments both from the region to Western Australia and vice versa."

The State Government of Western Australia (WA) actively facilitates and encourages commercial, educational, investment and cultural ties between Middle East and the state of Western Australia, through WATO-ME, he pointed out in media briefing. Also present was John Arnold, advisor to WATO-ME.

"We have many Western Australian companies based in the UAE for years now and we view the trend in bilateral investments set to grow further with increasing opportunities within the region. Increasingly, thanks to the excellent transport infrastructure of the UAE, many Western Australian businesses are using the emirate as a re-export hub to the MENA and East European countries," Savara said.

"The Western Australia trade relationship is also poised for a significant diversification with a growing commerce in shipments of chilled meat, fresh vegetables and fruits, flower and live seafood," said Savara, who has introduced hundreds of Australian products and services to the region. He has organised numerous trade missions from WA to ME and held a number of investment attraction missions to WA from ME.

WA, which accounts for one-third of Australia's land mass, is the nation's best-performing state economy, driven by booming demand for natural gas and iron ore that has boosted business investment and construction. In 2009, WA received highest investment till date from all over the world.

The world's largest natural gas projects and the largest single resource natural gas project in Australia's history - The Gorgon Project is based out of WA, said Savara. The Government of Western Australia also recently hosted the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Ms Quentin Bryce AC and her delegation on a West Australian built Dh100 million yacht -- Australis, in cooperation with the Australian Embassy in UAE. Australis, designed and built by Western Australian ship building company Austal is docked in Dubai.

He said the connectivity between Perth, the capital of Western Australia, and UAE has increased over the years. Perth is also the gateway to Australia for the Middle East and Indian Ocean countries and has less shipping distance saving around four to five days in time.

"Western Australia provides numerous opportunities and is predominantly known for its strong oil and gas and mining industries, agribusiness and education sectors. With its five world-class universities, WA became home to the highest group of students from the Middle East, in 2009," said Savara.


© Khaleej Times 2010

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100428042447/Western%20Australia%20seeks%26%238232%3Bto%20diversify%20trade%20basket%20/

Benin offers agricultural investment to Saudi Arabia

27 April 2010
DAMMAM - Benin, one of Africa's most stable democracies, is offering agricultural investment to Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of rice, cotton, vegetable oil, and nuts production, a trade delegation from that country who met with Saudi businessmen at the Asharqia Chamber of Commerce and Industry said here Monday.

"Our country has rich agricultural resources, which could provide steady food security to Saudi Arabia," said Akinde Rene Robert, head of the delegation. Benin is one of the major sources of cotton to the Saudi market, exporting to the Kingdom 200,000 tons in 2009.

In 2008, Saudi imported nearly SR.300 million worth of cotton. Cotton products represent 90 percent of Benin's total agricultural products export.

"Benin could be considered a suitable place for the development of farm projects in cooperation between companies of the two countries," Robert added.

Robert said the mission is visiting the Kingdom to offer other investment prospects in Benin, in addition to agriculture, such as in the construction, transport, and telecommunication sectors and seaport operation.

"We want to expand our economic ties with Kingdom, and the eight years that diplomatic ties have been ongoing between our two countries have been very significant and fruitful," said Daouda Wabi, the ambassador Benin to Saudi Arabia.

According to the Wabi, there is no significant investments yet of Saudi Arabia in Benin.

"One significant relation we have achieved so far is the presence of some 1,000 Beninese students in Saudi Arabia who are enrolled in various universities taking up Islamic studies, medicine, business and law, "the ambassador said.

He said the Beninese students have been provided full scholarship program by the Saudi government.

Benin, formerly known as Dahomey, has strong civil society and a proliferation of political parties. The country, however, is yet to further improve its economy, particularly its infrastructures. Being severely underdeveloped, corruption is also rampant in both the public and private sectors.

By Joe Avancena

© The Saudi Gazette 2010

http://ae.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100427053649/Benin%20offers%20agricultural%20investment%20to%20Saudi%20Arabia/

Food security: Oman mulls overseas farm investments

27 April 2010
MUSCAT -- The government is weighing options for securing part of the country's requirement of strategic staples through offshore farming, Maqbool bin Ali Sultan, Commerce and Industry Minister, stated here yesterday.

Delivering the keynote address at the closing of the 2nd Oman Economic Forum at Shangri-La's Barr al Jissah Resort & Spa, he said the move was among a raft of initiatives either under consideration or implementation as part of the government's food security strategy.

Other key initiatives involve the creation of strategic stockpiles of staples, such as rice, flour, sugar and other commodities, at key places around the Sultanate. Food silos are also under various stages of design and construction in Muscat, Sohar and Salalah, he added.

In a detailed overview on Oman's Food Security Strategy, Maqbool said the Ministry had begun to develop a comprehensive policy to stave off a repeat of the food crisis that sent prices of essential commodities skyrocketing during 2007-2008.

Although global food production has since stabilised, and prices having fallen in the wake of the 2008 global financial meltdown, he warned against complacency on the part of food importing nations, such as the Sultanate, given the potential risks of a repeat of the food crisis.

A national committee set up at the height of the crisis in 2008, has since been tasked with drafting a comprehensive strategy on food security, Maqbool said. This committee has identified a number of food items as strategic to Oman's food security interests. The list includes rice, flour, vegetable oil, sugar, meat, eggs, fish, milk powder, tea and coffee.

Advertisement
When your business crosses borders, ensure it doesn't get lost in translation. SABB Business Solutions
The panel also accorded a key role for the Public Authority for Stores and Food Reserves (PASFR), which is overseeing the establishment of strategic stockpiles and food silos in key locations around the country, Maqbool said.

At the same time, an international company has been commissioned to assist the Ministry in the formulation of a strategy for food security. The findings of the first phase of the study are currently being evaluated by key government departments and other stakeholders, he said.

Separately, UNCTAD, a specialised UN agency, has been tasked with studying the feasibility of acquiring farm land on lease in countries with arable land and abundant water, for the cultivation of strategic crops.

The study will weigh the benefits and potential risks associated with offshore farming, he noted.

Various studies on food security have also produced a number of recommendations on enhancing security of food supply, the Minister said. Notable is a proposal mooting the procurement of essential commodities through existing bilateral commitments between Oman and food exporting nations.

Experts have also identified the need for the establishment of an 'early warning system' that would alert authorities to an impending food crisis, based on indicators revealed by a database compiled for the purpose.

Improved surveillance of the marketplace, with a view to combating monopolistic practices and price manipulators, has been mooted as well.

Also under consideration is the potential use of treated water for irrigation, the Minister said, adding that Sultan Qaboos University is studying the viability of wheat cultivation in the Sultanate. But he ruled out any large-scale cultivation of staples like rice and wheat, pointing out that resource constraints made such a pursuit commercially unviable.

Oman, he noted, would continue to depend on imports for a significant proportion of its food requirements, which stands at 100 per cent in the case of rice, 80 per cent for meat, and 60 per cent for fruits and vegetables. But he underlined the potential for enhancing farm output through advanced farm techniques, efficient irrigation, and modern technologies. Research centres to help boost farm and livestock output have also been mooted, he said.

Furthermore, to ensure that fishermen and farmers have greater access to markets, the Ministry in cooperation with other government departments is establishing a wholesale market for fresh fish, as well as markets for fruit and vegetables, especially along the Batinah region.

In concluding, Maqbool underlined the potential for local and foreign investment in initiatives that enhance Oman's food security.

Opportunities are aplenty for cooperatives and other investors in farming, agriculture and the fisheries sectors, particularly in the transport, packaging, and marketing segments of the business.

He also noted the potential for investment in fish processing, and value addition of dates, among other areas.

By Conrad Prabhu

© Oman Daily Observer 2010

http://ae.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100427043409/Food%20security%3A%20Oman%20mulls%20overseas%20farm%20investments%20/

Rainwater must be put to good use, FNC says

Amr Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, a member from Abu Dhabi, questioned the Ministry of Environment and Waters' efforts to make use of the rainwater, citing ineffective dams and rain drain networks across the country.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd and Amr Abdul Jalil Al Fahim.


Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) has warned that limited groundwater levels are plummeting, while rainwater reserves are vanishing at alarming rates.

Amr Abdul Jalil Al Fahim, a member from Abu Dhabi, questioned the Ministry of Environment and Waters' efforts to make use of the rainwater, citing ineffective dams and rain drain networks across the country.

"All efforts should be made so that rainwater retained by dams across the country raises levels of underground water tables and replenishes the underground water tables," he told the council.

He said the UAE's population boom and agricultural and industrial pressures are tapping deep into the underwater pools — but the dams built to recharge them by collecting rainwater are not working as well as they could.

Al Fahim also demanded that rainwater which floods streets across the country be used in agriculture or for drinking.

Dr Rashid Ahmad Bin Fahd, Minister of Environment and Water, said rainwater harvested by dams since 2001 was estimated at more than 130 million cubic metres. He added dams are effective in retaining water and that rainwater replenishes the underground water tables.

"The UAE has 114 water dams with a joint capacity of 118 million cubic metres of rainwater. A project is under way to build more than 68 dams to protect remote areas from flooding," Dr Bin Fahd said.

These dams, he said, will protect 50 per cent of the UAE's mountainous areas or around 3,000 square kilometres.

The minister said feasibility studies are needed to make use of rainwater in cities. Rainwater retained by lakes or dams across the country in the recent downpour were estimated at four million cubic metres.

Dr Ahmad Murad, UAE University's Chair of Geology Department, said nearly 75 per cent of rainwater stayed on the surface of the ground while only small amounts seeped into the ground.

He added the problem was the fine soil at the bottom of the reservoir lakes blocking the surface water from fully seeping into groundwater tables. The sediment is carried there from mountains and higher ground in flash floods following heavy rain.

"The silt blocks the lake beds. To recharge the groundwater, the beds have to be maintained," said Dr Murad.

"The authorities are trying to do that, but they should also transport the water through pipes into storage tanks or pump it out over large open areas with high porosity."

Even though the dams caught millions of cubic metres of rainwater in the recent downpours, less than 25 per cent of that made it through.

Trickling away: Resource is wasted

- UAE annual rainfall: 40-160mm

- Evaporation rate: 2,000mm-3,000mm

- Over 250 litres of water is wasted by each UAE resident every day on average. The UAE's per capita water usage — estimated at 550 litres daily, is three times the global average

UAE Water Production

- Desalination: 1 billion cubic metres

- Treated water: 400 million cubic metres


http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/environment/rainwater-must-be-put-to-good-use-fnc-says-1.618436

Sheep prices increase in RAK

27 April 2010
RAS AL KHAIMAH — The rise in sheep prices has been hard on the pockets of Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) residents.

Some residents also cited an increase in the prices of imported frozen meat in the markets which was an option for the residents.

Yunus Hassan, a regular buyer of sheep said traders increased the prices of sheep since the beginning of April making it hard for many families to buy the animals.

He stressed said Somali and Omani sheep are now priced at between Dh550 and Dh700, up from Dh350 last month, a Pakistani sheep cost Dh600 up from Dh400 and an Indian sheep from Dh500 to Dh600.

Abdul Karim Khan, a Pakistani trader in the Ras Al Khaimah livestock market has attributed the increase in the prices of sheep to the increase in the transportation costs.

He said traders raised the prices so as to remain in the business.

Rashid Mohammed, an Emirati who has been buying two heads of sheep for his family of thirteen members weekly, said since the prices of sheep went up, he had resorted to buying frozen meat.

He however noted that the prices of frozen meat have also been increased over the past week.

“I wonder why traders have to increase the prices of animals or the meat whenever they wish. The concerned authorities have to intervene and control the arbitrary price increases so as to protect the consumers,” said
Mohammed.

For Ahmed Salem, Egyptian expatriate, said he used to buy a sheep for his family at least once in a month but ever since the prices of animals increased, he is even reluctant to visit the livestock market.

Salem noted that sheep prices in RAK have increased by more than 80 per cent since mid last year.

A senior official at the Department of Economic Development in RAK said they have received complaints from residents about the increase in animal prices and that the department is monitoring the animal markets to ensure that traders do not cheat people.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2010/April/theuae_April674.xml&section=theuae&col

New Zealand Minister of Trade joins Fonterra to celebrate its latest Investment in Saudi Arabia



26 April 2010
Dammam, Saudi Arabia: New Zealand's Minister of Trade joined Fonterra, the world's largest dairy processor, and local officials today to celebrate its recent buyout of the Saudi New Zealand Milk Products factory in Dammam, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

At an official inauguration ceremony at the site, the Honourable Tim Groser, New Zealand Minister of Trade, said the "The GCC holds increasing importance for New Zealand, and our visit to the region aims to extend our existing trade relationships as well as investigate new opportunities for trade and investment in the region. The ceremony today represents yet another advance in expanding the reach of New Zealand products and expertise within this prosperous market."

Amr Farghal, Managing Director of Fonterra Middle East, Africa (MEA) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) said the official ceremony marked the beginning of the next stage for Fonterra's business in Saudi Arabia.

"Saudi Arabia is the cornerstone of our business in the GCC. With full ownership of our investment here, we will be able to secure the future manufacturing requirements needed to meet growing demand for high quality, New Zealand dairy in the region."

Worth around SAR 120 million (NZD45 million), this acquisition is a major step forward for Fonterra's growth strategy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC region.

Fonterra previously owned a 49 per cent stake in the dairy manufacturing factory with former joint-venture partner Saudia Dairy and Foodstuff Company (SADAFCO), which owned the remaining 51 per cent stake.

The ceremony held today was also attended by Mark Wilson, Fonterra's Managing Director of Asia, Africa and Middle East, members of the New Zealand trade delegation, which includes up to 60 New Zealand companies looking at investment opportunities in the region, as well as local Government officials.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100426125500/Fonterra%20to%20celebrate%20its%20latest%20Investment%20in%20Saudi%20Arabia/

Over 30 per cent of Brazil's poultry meat exports go to Middle East

Alessandro Teixeira

26 April 2010
Gulf alone imports close to 1 million metric tonnes of Halal poultry meat annually

More than 30 per cent of Brazil's poultry meat exports are transported to the Middle East, the South American country's leading market for the commodity, with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait among the top buyers. Brazil shipped around 1.4 million tons of chicken in 2009, representing a 22.7 per cent growth from 2008 and revenues of USD 1.9 billion. Exports are expected to grow further in 2010, with January data revealing a 37 per cent sales increase to USD 141.8 million over the corresponding period in 2009.Alessandro Teixeira



Brazil is the world's third largest exporter of poultry products, selling the meat to more than 150 countries. Brazil's major poultry exporters will outline their plans to expand further into the Middle East region and showcase their top products during Brasil Trade Middle East 2010, a multi-industry exposition taking place from May 9 to 11, 2010 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dubai Festival City. They will particularly focus on the Gulf area, the largest importer of Halal-prepared products in the world, which purchases close to 1 million metric tonnes of Halal poultry meet each year.

"Many countries in the Middle East import their food needs; the Gulf in particular sources more than 90 per cent of foodstuffs from abroad. The Arab region is home to more than 345 million people and yet its farming and agricultural activities are very limited. It will thus continue to reach out to key food exporters such as Brazil, which is a very popular food partner among Middle Eastern countries as its products are certified by Cibal Halal, the Brazilian Islamic Centre for Halal Food Stuff Association. Brasil Trade Middle East will be an excellent venue for Brazilian exporters to discuss how their business complements the Arab region's food security agenda," said Alessandro Teixeira, President of Apex-Brasil, Organiser of Brasil Trade Middle East 2010.

Over 30 exporters representing more than 100 leading Brazilian producers and manufacturers will meet with Middle Eastern businessmen, investors and leaders to discuss ventures in various industries such as construction, furniture, automotive parts, and food and beverages during this year's edition of Brasil Trade Middle East. Exporters and hosted buyers will have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one meetings and join special presentations. A hosted buyer's program will be held for major importers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. The event is organized by Apex-Brasil, the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100426080159/Over%2030%25%20of%20Brazil%27s%20poultry%20meat%20exports%20go%20to%20Middle%20East/

Exports of biscuits and wafers reach Dh150m

Monday, Apr 26, 2010

Dubai The value of direct exports of biscuits and wafers from Dubai amounted to Dh150 million while Dh7 million worth of products were exported from the free zones, according to the Export Development Corporation (EDC).

The direct imports are huge for this product, hitting nearly Dh500 million in 2009, which indicates the large potential for import substitution.

EDC, an agency of the Dubai Department of Economic Development, has released a batch of product and sector reports for 2010 to showcase Dubai's manufacturing and exporting capabilities in the specific products and sectors as part of its annual programme of sector and product studies.

Advertisement
When your business crosses borders, ensure it doesn't get lost in translation. SABB Business Solutions
The reports included four product reports on plastic films, biscuits and wafers, copper cables, and medical furniture, in addition to two sector scan reports for electric distribution equipment and transformers and the machinery sector.

The plastic film report shows that 2009 exports of polypropylene products exceeded Dh200 million while polyethylene exports grew modestly in the past 10 years and last year reached Dh20 million.

The exports of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) products totalled Dh60 million.

The value of imports of copper cables exceeded Dh4 billion in 2008 and the exports averaged Dh500 million annually from 2007 to 2009.

Stable

Imports in this sector declined sharply last year but exports continue to rise, and re-exports have remained stable at about Dh500 million.

"Among our objectives is to provide UAE companies and buyers in various sectors with up-to-date analysis of trade data on specific sectors and products that highlight exporting capabilities, potential export markets, and opportunities for new investment or expansions," said Engineer Saeed Al Awadi, Chief Executive Office, EDC.

© Gulf News 2010. All rights reserved.

http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidGN_25042010_260435/Exports%20of%20biscuits%20and%20wafers%20reach%20Dh150m/

Experts weigh regional strategy to combat food-borne diseases

PulseNet has supported member nations in detecting and tracing food-borne infections worldwide

Published: 12:15 April 26, 2010

Muscat: Health and food safety experts wrapped up two days of deliberations in Muscat on Monday, focused on helping countries around the region strengthen their national capabilities in fighting food-borne diseases.

The meeting was organised jointly by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Association of Public Health Laboratories (Washington), in coordination with Oman’s Ministry of Health.

Epidemiologists representing countries from around the Middle East, all of which are members of PulseNet International network, attended the two-day meeting.

PulseNet has supported member nations in detecting and tracing food-borne infections worldwide, while also helping develop an effective global early warning system through its network of laboratories.

The establishment of PulseNet Middle East in 2006 as a molecular surveillance network for food-borne infections has strengthened regional food safety collaboration.

Participants appealed for greater cooperation in dealing with potential outbreaks in food-borne diseases in the region.

Summing up this appeal, the Health Ministry’s top adviser, Dr Ali Jaffer Mohammed stated: “In modern times, rapid globalisation of food production and trade has increased the potential likelihood of food contamination. Many outbreaks of food-borne diseases that were once contained within a small community may now take place on global dimensions. All over the world, food safety authorities acknowledge that ensuring the safety of food must not only be tackled at the national level but also through closer linkages among food safety authorities at the international level.”

Experts warn that food contamination has the potential to create an enormous social and economic strain on societies. The economic losses can stem from medical costs and lost productivity, and also export bans imposed by importing countries or international food safety authorities.

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/oman/experts-weigh-regional-strategy-to-combat-food-borne-diseases-1.618103