Latest news with #desertfarming
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
'Manchester helped me grow vegetables in the Sahara'
A woman living in a refugee camp in the Sahara has described being able to build vegetable gardens in the desert thanks to a Manchester Bachir, who was born and lives in a refugee camp in Algeria after her family fled conflict in Western Sahara, produces a vast supply of vegetables for her fellow was just 13 when she met volunteers from Levenshulme-based Western Sahara Support Group during a trip to Manchester in 2005, which she said was "life-changing" as she learnt new by a healthier diet, she persuaded the charity to fund her vegetable gardens which produce onions, tomatoes, aubergines, cucumbers and water melons. Ms Bachir has now travelled back to Manchester, bringing with her a new generation of children from the refugee camps, which she said were "her home".She told BBC Radio Manchester: "I am very happy, I am part of this."I came to Manchester 20 years ago and this is my second time now."It was the best experience of my life. It has been life changing." The 33-year-old continued: "I learnt very important skills on my visit."I was amazed. We in the camps had such a poor diet - we didn't know or care about vegetables."I started thinking about vegetables."I contacted the group but they were sceptical about whether vegetables can grow there as it is in the middle of the desert."Ms Bachir said they "started with little portions" but have since managed to grow vegetable crops of 30,000 lbs (14,000 kg).The charity's chairman Andy Pitts said: "Their garden skills are amazing."It is obviously difficult to grow vegetables in the desert especially with the strong winds."They are very inspiring and tough people." Western Sahara is a territory on the north-western coast of Africa that has been the subject of a decades-long was once a Spanish colony, and is now mostly controlled by Morocco and partly by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front - which says it represents the indigenous Sahrawi people and wants an independent of Sahrawi refugees still live in refugee camps in Algeria and some have been there for 40 years. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
Zawya
6 days ago
- Science
- Zawya
Egypt cultivates cotton in desert conditions for first time in South Sinai
Egypt's Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Alaa Farouk, announced on Wednesday the successful completion of field trials by the Cotton Research Institute to grow cotton for the first time in a desert environment, in the city of El Tor, South Sinai. The trials used modern irrigation systems and optimised fertilisation techniques. Farouk said the breakthrough reflects the effective application of scientific research to practical farming, with benefits for both farmers and the national economy. He reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to supporting researchers and applied agricultural projects aimed at boosting productivity. Adel Abdel Azim, head of the Agricultural Research Center, explained that the trial involved six cotton genotypes, including 'Super Giza 86,' 'Super Giza 94,' and 'Super Giza 97,' as well as three new genotypes. The first harvest was completed just 127 days after planting, accelerated by the region's high temperatures. He added that the success demonstrates Egypt's research capabilities in developing crop varieties resilient to drought, salinity, and high heat—traits increasingly vital in addressing climate change challenges. Plans are now underway to replicate the model in other governorates and train farmers in the latest irrigation and farming techniques. © 2025 Daily News Egypt. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Khaleej Times
23-05-2025
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE to launch first-ever national museum showcasing agricultural history
The UAE is set to open its first specialised museum dedicated to the country's agricultural journey. The National Agricultural Museum will be officially inaugurated during the UAE Agricultural Exhibition, held at the Adnec Centre in Al Ain from May 28 to 31. Speaking at a press conference attended by Khaleej Times, Dr Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said the museum would celebrate the country's agricultural heritage, showcase its current achievements, and highlight future plans. Designed as an interactive and educational experience, the museum will incorporate advanced technology and rich historical content to tell the story of agriculture in the UAE — from its early roots before the union to present-day advancements. Although the museum's exact location is yet to be revealed, it will serve as a lasting tribute to key figures whose pioneering efforts helped transform agriculture in various regions in the country. 'We will highlight pioneering experiences such as those of the late Sheikh Zayed and his efforts in developing the agricultural sector, particularly in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi, and the experiments he conducted in Saadiyat in 1968.' Dr Al Dahak emphasised that this initiative supports national efforts to empower Emirati farmers. Despite the challenges of farming in arid desert conditions, the UAE's agricultural sector has made remarkable progress. "Agricultural expansion is no longer optional — it is essential and must be backed by active initiatives,' she said. She explained that the museum is intended to be a source of inspiration for future generations and a way for the public to connect with the country's deep agricultural roots. 'We want it to be a window through which the community can appreciate the UAE's agricultural experience,' Al Dahak added. Selection of participants More than 100 Emirati farmers will participate in the exhibition, chosen based on strict criteria such as evaluation of their agricultural production, experience, and use of modern agricultural technologies that improve yield and extend the farming season. Preparatory meetings have been held to coordinate their participation and share successful experiences, as organisers aim to create a competitive and collaborative environment that benefits both farmers and the nation. Another key highlight of the event will be the launch of the UAE Youth Council for Agriculture, in partnership with the Federal Youth Authority. The council will lead developmental agricultural projects and contribute to the sector's innovation and growth. Showcase of innovation Held under the theme 'With agriculture, we thrive and the world thrives,' the exhibition aligns with the UAE's National Food Security Strategy 2051, with full support provided to Emirati farmers. The exhibition will feature the participation of 22 federal and government entities, over 60 private and startup companies, 4 government universities, and more than 1,000 students. Spanning 20,000 square metres and accommodating up to 11,000 people, the four-day exhibition will feature several specialised zones that emphasise inclusivity and innovation. Among the highlights is the 'Farmers' Exhibition,' which showcases local crops, with a particular focus on beekeepers and high-quality Emirati honey. Marketing opportunities for farmers' products will be available in both the local and international markets.
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's ‘vegetable capital' to test farming know-how in UAE's harsh deserts
Shouguang, a city in eastern China known for its copious vegetable production, is building a 100,000-square-meter centre for smart agriculture in the harsh deserts of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to export the country's technological advances in farming. Leading UAE agritech firm Silal signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shouguang Vegetable Industry Group on Monday to co-invest 120 million dirham (US$32.67 million) in the centre to transform desert farming in the Middle Eastern country, state news agency Xinhua reported. The collaboration – part of a global outreach campaign by what is colloquially referred to as China's 'vegetable capital' – is another instance of Beijing exporting agricultural know-how to countries taking part in the Belt and Road Initiative , an infrastructure-driven strategy for regional connectivity. The new facility will make use of cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics to enhance the efficiency and precision of seeding, climate control, irrigation and harvesting. It will support the cultivation of over 10 crop varieties, Xinhua said, including tomatoes, cucumbers, melons and strawberries. 'Abu Dhabi, as a frontier for agricultural technology innovation, offers a visionary platform and a real-world test bed for deploying advanced systems in extreme climates,' Yang Ming, founder of the group, was quoted as saying. Silal CEO Saleem al-Ameri said the collaboration would serve as a model for agricultural innovation across the Persian Gulf, contributing to a scalable and sustainable framework for regional development.
