News DeskAbu Dhabi / Dubai, UAE – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Silal and Bayer have joined forces to strengthen the agricultural landscape in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with a focus on combating climate change. The partnership was unveiled at the World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit in Dubai on December 4th, 2023, in the presence of key stakeholders from the private and public sectors.
The strategic alliance aims to advance best-in-class agricultural practices, particularly in the challenging climatic conditions of the UAE. With climate change threats on the rise, Silal and Bayer are committed to enhancing the agricultural sector’s capabilities to mitigate global warming. The collaboration includes a comprehensive training program for local agronomists, leveraging Bayer’s BayG.A.P. capacity building initiative.
The program covers essential topics such as Integrated Pest Management, Safe Use, Crop Protection Products, Application Technology, and Irrigation, employing a train-the-trainer approach. The collaboration also involves vegetable seed trials, testing over 30 varieties in diverse field and greenhouse setups to assess crop endurance, quality, and shelf-life under desert farming conditions.
The research outcomes will not only benefit UAE’s agriculture but also contribute to global knowledge on climate change challenges. With the COP28 discussions on climate change underway, the partnership underscores the urgency of advancing agriculture as a critical tool for sequestering carbon and reducing emissions.
Bayer sees this collaboration as a key building block for expanding its Open Innovation ecosystem and supporting global food security efforts. Aligned with Bayer’s mission of “Health for All, Hunger for None,” the partnership exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and addressing critical challenges.
Silal’s CEO, Salmeen Al Ameri, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting its promise for the future of agriculture in the UAE. Hugo Hagen, Senior Bayer Representative – Middle East, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the joint effort to transform agriculture and contribute to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051.
Dr. Shamal Mohammed, Head of AgriTech at Silal, stated that the collaboration strengthens the UAE’s AgriTech innovation landscape, contributing to their Innovation Oasis. Sami Joost, Global Communications Director at Bayer, highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving innovation impact.
As the partnership gains momentum, Silal and Bayer aim to shape the future of agriculture in the UAE and other regions facing climate challenges, creating a safe and sustainable ecosystem for generations to come.
