Second batch of cows for Mleiha Dairy Farm arrives in Sharjah, totalling 1,300

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Fulfilling the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to increase the nucleus herd of cows at Mleiha Dairy Farm to 8,000 by the end of 2025, the second patch of the farm's cows, totaling 1,300, has arrived at Sharjah International Airport. This aims to meet the increasing demand for fresh organic Mleiha milk that retains all its natural components. This patch comprises pregnant cows that carry the natural, non-genetically modified A2A2 genes.

The third consignment, estimated at 1,500, is scheduled to arrive in the early part of next year, bringing the total number of cows at the farm to approximately 20,000 over the next three years. The objective of this expansion is to provide support for Sharjah's sustainable food security system, which was adopted by His Highness with the intention of maintaining public health.

Dr. Engineer Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Executive Director of Sharjah Agricultural and Livestock Production EST (EKTFA), affiliated with the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, stated, “Under the directives and subsequent oversight of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan, the increase in the number of cows at Mleiha Dairy Farm was a consequence of the continuous development of the Sharjah Food Security System. It was designed to meet the needs of the local market and the growing demand for organic food products.”

He added “The current total number of cows, following the arrival of the second batch, has reached 2,500. These cows are fed on organic feed that is free of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and is non-genetically modified. In addition, part of the organic fodder comes from the wheat farm in Mleiha.”

Al Tunaiji further emphasised that an increase in the number of cows on the farm to 20,000 within three years would enable the local market and Gulf markets to be met, particularly in light of the growing interest in improving nutritional and healthy lifestyles.

Additionally, he pointed out that “EKTFA’ works to consolidate the culture and quality of healthy food. Furthermore, the company is committed to ensuring the safety of its products through the development of research and scientific initiatives that serve the community. These efforts are focused on the creation of clean, organic products, the benefits of which are studied in collaboration with leading international universities, including the University of Dhaid. The goal of this collaboration is to advance the culture of sustainable food practices, enhance public health, prevent overweight and obesity, and reduce the risks associated with diet-related diseases.

He added, “Food security is a priority for the Emirate of Sharjah, representing a significant economic sector. It is an initiative that exemplifies the forward-thinking approach of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, which aims to enhance future food security through the application of modern technologies and the development of innovative production methods. This approach contributes to the stability and diversity of the food supply chain in the UAE, addresses issues of waste and misuse of natural resources, and prioritises public health.”