Strawberries are undoubtedly one of the most revered fruits around the world. However, it grows under certain conditions that may or may not be available in certain regions. and in such cases, indoor farming to the rescue. Now, Abu Dhabi is going to guest its first indoor vertical strawberry farm that is also going to be the first-of-its-kind in the region. Taking shape in the emirate, it’s expected to open in winter.
A Vertical Indoor Strawberry Farm Is Coming To Abu Dhabi
Spread across a massive 7500 m², the new indoor vertical strawberry farm is taking shape in Abu Dhabi. Regarded as the first-of-its-kind in the region, a report by Khaleej Times mentions that this is being opened by Mawarid, a subsidiary of Alpha Dhabi Holding and it’s in partnership with Plenty, a California-based farming firm. Establishing the first vertical strawberry farm outside North America, it is expected to have a capacity for over 2 million kgs of strawberries.
This will Be The First-Of-Its-Kind Farm In The Region
At this point, it’s worth mentioning that the Mawarid team has extensive expertise in agriculture. Not to mention, they also happen to be experts in land management in the emirate thereby bringing several forms of Agtech. With an investment of a whopping AED500 million, this is going to be the first of the five farms that have been planned in the next five years. Yes, the report also mentions that the farm shall utilise advanced technology.
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So, this includes custom hardware, LED lighting, artificial intelligence, and of course proprietary software that will optimise the growing condition. This in turn going to help in enhancing the flavour and quality of the strawberries grown here. Not to mention, it’s also going to create several job opportunities across a myriad of positions that will be needed for supporting this well-functioning Farm. Of course, it’s going to use 90% less land and about 90% less water, thereby contributing towards the sustainable motives of the UAE.
So, once the farm begins functioning, it’s bound to help the local market purchase such premium strawberries year-round.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva
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