RIYADH: Uzbekistan has officially inaugurated Central Asia’s largest wind farm, the 500-megawatt Zarafshan facility, as part of its efforts to expand clean energy capacity. 

Developed by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Co., known as Masdar, the wind farm was launched by Uzbekistan’s President, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in a ceremony attended by Sultan Al-Jaber, the UAE minister of industry and advanced technology. 

The Zarafshan wind farm aligns with Uzbekistan’s target to generate 40 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. It is also a key step in the country’s ambitious plan to achieve 20 gigawatts of clean energy capacity by the decade’s end. 

“The UAE and Uzbekistan’s enduring relationship is critical to a shared commitment to drive low-carbon socioeconomic progress and clean energy capacity growth,” said Al-Jaber, who is also the chairman of Masdar.  

He added: “Uzbekistan has become a leading investment destination and a clean energy hub for the region as we work to deliver our shared goal of tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030, as outlined in the historic UAE Consensus.” 

Masdar has pledged $2 billion to Uzbekistan’s clean energy initiatives, which include projects with a combined capacity of over 2 GW. The company also has a pipeline of 4 GW of renewable projects in early development stages, according to a statement. 

UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al-Mazrouei hailed the wind farm as a testament to Uzbekistan’s climate leadership and energy transition efforts. 

“The UAE and Uzbekistan share a common vision of sustainable development and renewable energy and Zarafshan is (a) testament to the strength of our partnership in advancing clean, emissions-free energy in Uzbekistan,” Al-Mazrouei also said.  

Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al-Ramahi highlighted the project’s significance, describing it as a reflection of Uzbekistan’s bold renewable energy ambitions. 

“Uzbekistan has built upon its legacy as a vital artery on the ancient Silk Road – the historic trade route uniting east and west – becoming a key hub for renewables in the region, moving at pace and at scale to develop landmark clean energy projects and attract investment,” added Al-Ramahi.  

During the recent UN Climate Change Summit, COP29, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy and Masdar signed an agreement to develop another 1-GW wind farm in the Mingbulak region. 

The Mingbulak wind farm is expected to create 1,000 jobs during construction and 60 operational roles. Once completed, it will provide clean energy to 300,000 homes in the region, the statement added. 

RIYADH: Increasing the use of smart technology in farming is critical if the Middle East is going to truly achieve food security, experts have told Arab News.

As agricultural productivity in the region remains vulnerable to supply chain disruption, water shortages, and conflicts, the challenge of producing more food without further harming the environment intensifies. 

Add in the consequences of climate change, and the Middle East needs to act fast — and smart — to ensure food security.

Vertical farms, increased use of data, and cross-country collaboration have all been flagged up to Arab News as key ways to tackle the short and long term challenges.

Abdel Rahman Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Ivvest, a Saudi-based agricultural technology and indoor farming company, emphasized to Arab News how his firm addresses these challenges: “Vertical farming allows exponential multiplication for the amount that can be produced in farms, enabling us to utilize vertical space and changing the way we design the production capacity from two dimensions to three dimensions.” 

He added: “This is essential for getting the best out of our limited arable lands in the Middle East, where, for instance, Saudi Arabia’s arable land was just 1.6 percent in 2021.” Available in Saudi Arabia, Ivvest’s farming “Capsule,” is a smart container farming unit empowered with IvvestOS, an operating system that brings intelligence to the facility. Using this technology, farmers can produce more than 200 plants per sq. meter, all year long, without pesticides, and while consuming 90 percent less water and land, according to the company.

Sanjay Borkar, CEO and co-founder of FarmERP, talked up the importance of innovation in an interview with Arab News, stating: “Tools like drones, sensors, and data analytics — key components of precision agriculture — help farmers and agribusiness use resources wisely. By monitoring things like soil health and water levels in real-time, farmers can fine-tune the use of water, fertilizers, and other inputs, minimizing waste and maximizing yields.” Precision agriculture, soil health management, and improved water usage techniques are part of broader efforts to adapt to climate change and protect valuable resources.Many countries are adopting climate-smart agriculture, which integrates sustainable practices that improve resilience to environmental stressors while mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Water scarcity: A crisis across the region

Water scarcity is perhaps the most pressing environmental issue across the Middle East. Jordan is one of the countries most affected, facing severe water stress due to the combination of traditional irrigation methods and over-reliance on depleted water resources. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization and other international organizations are promoting precision agriculture techniques, such as drip irrigation and soil moisture sensors, to enhance water use efficiency and reduce wastage. 

Vertical farming allows exponential multiplication for the amount that can be produced in farms.

Abdel Rahman Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Ivvest

Ivvest’s Al-Zubaidi explained that “indoor farming isolates the farming environment from the outside, ensuring optimal conditions for crops and reducing water loss from evaporation.” 

He noted that these methods drastically reduce the need for pesticides, further increasing sustainability.

Conflict-driven food insecurity 

While water scarcity is a severe concern, the Middle East’s food security crisis is also driven by conflict.

In correspondence with Arab News, the FAO said: “The ongoing war in Gaza has significantly exacerbated food insecurity in the broader NENA (Near East and North Africa) region by intensifying the already dire humanitarian crisis.”

The organization revealed that this conflict has disrupted supply chains, with the latest reports indicating that 95 percent of Gaza’s population faces high levels of food insecurity and nearly 343,000 people are at catastrophic risk of famine.

Local initiatives, such as urban farming and community-supported agriculture, have provided some relief to conflict-affected populations.

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war

The global grain market has been severely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine war, with the Middle East feeling the effects more acutely than other regions. Countries including Egypt, Lebanon, and Yemen, heavily reliant on imports from these two major grain producers, are grappling with shortages.

As the conflict continues, food prices have soared, compounding the challenges faced by already vulnerable populations. The FAO’s call for investment in domestic agricultural production and the adoption of sustainable farming practices is particularly relevant for these nations.

The FAO said that hunger in Arab countries reached 59.8 million people in 2022, a 75.9 percent increase since 2000, accounting for 12.9 percent of the population compared to the global average of 9.2 percent. 

Tools like drones, sensors, and data analytics — key components of precision agriculture — help farmers and agribusiness use resources wisely.

Sanjay Borkar, CEO and co-founder of FarmERP

Al-Zubaidi addressed how Ivvest can contribute to the region’s food security: “Our technology development started after a failed project with greenhouses, which ignited thorough research. We found that traditional greenhouses, while helpful, are resource-intensive and inefficient in hot climates like ours.” 

He pointed out: “To overcome these risks, we designed and manufactured a full end-to-end indoor farming solution.” Ivvest’s vertical farming system allows producing over 240 plants per square meter, drastically enhancing productivity compared to greenhouses.

Zulfiqar Hamadani, CEO of Tanmiah Food Co., echoed the importance of local production, noting that “we must prioritize sustainable local production and develop resilient supply chains to ensure that we can meet the nutritional needs of our growing population.” 

He highlighted Tanmiah’s commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 food self-sufficiency goals, adding: “Saudi Arabia is taking major steps, including significant investments aimed at enhancing food security and fostering innovation in food production.”

Innovative solutions: a path to resilience

In response to these growing challenges, several countries in the Middle East are investing in innovative agricultural solutions. The FAO emphasized to Arab News the importance of “sustainable and resilient farming practices, including soil and water conservation, waste reduction, and the implementation of nature-based solutions.”

Al-Zubaidi added that the key to sustainability in farming lies in integrating innovations into the broader supply chain. 

Hamadani pointed out that the Middle East must “invest in innovative agricultural technologies such as precision farming, which optimizes resource use and minimizes waste.” He also emphasized the importance of sustainable practices that enhance soil health and water conservation.

Collaboration for a sustainable future

The FAO emphasized that collaboration between regional governments, international organizations, and local communities is crucial for building resilient food systems.

“Promoting climate-smart agriculture, such as diversified cropping systems and sustainable pest management, is crucial for enhancing agricultural resilience,” said the organization.

Al-Zubaidi added that the importance of partnerships between technology providers, distributors, and governments in achieving food security, describing them as “essential for creating a robust and sustainable food security framework.”

Hamadani also stressed the need for government support, noting that “clear policy frameworks that encourage research and development, alongside financial incentives for sustainable practices, are crucial.” He advocated for policies that support sustainable agricultural practices and reduce barriers for startups.

Borkar further elaborated, saying: “Collaborative partnerships between governments, tech companies, and local farmers are essential to share knowledge and ensure technology is accessible.” Grassroots initiatives like urban farming and water-efficient farming techniques can also  empower communities and reduce their vulnerability to external shocks.