"The UAE is one of the top exporters of dates in the world, however, it still imports up to 90 percent of its food needs and that is a reality, which is going through a paradigm shift", says the Minister of State for Food and Water Security.
Mariam Almheiri mentions agriculture, aquaculture and the employment of cutting-edge technology in these two sectors as essential in consolidating the UAE’s food security.
"Going through the past months was really a lesson learned for all of us," the minister told Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview, recalling the early days of COVID-19 in the UAE.
"We are so thankful that, with all stakeholders in the country and of course with our leadership, we were able to keep shelves full at all times. This really shows that our food system is resilient even though we are importing 90 percent of our food," she added.
"But with this in mind and the lessons we have learned, we want to ensure that also in the future we would be ready to face such a crisis if it happens again. We have to ensure that every citizen and resident in the UAE have access to nutritious food and drinking water at all times and at affordable prices. And when I say all times, it means when business is usual and also in emergency situations."
"The UAE strives to develop its food producing sectors in general and the aquaculture sector in particular. We are also focusing on technology," the minister explained.
Read the complete article at www.wam.ae.