Globally, agriculture is at a crossroads. Climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity are reshaping how we produce food, forcing nations to rethink traditional farming practices.
Nowhere is this challenge more pronounced than in the Middle East, one of the most water-scarce regions in the world. With temperatures rising year on year, and rainfall becoming increasingly unpredictable, the region’s agricultural sector is under immense pressure to implement advanced technologies and policies to safeguard its agricultural future.
Rapid population growth and urbanization amplify the urgency of developing local, sustainable agricultural solutions. With the population in the Middle East projected to reach 731 million by 2050 and with 9% of the Arabian Peninsula being endangered on account of desertification, the stakes are high: ensuring long-term sustainability while meeting the immediate need for economic growth and food production.
The Middle East’s unique environmental pressures place constraints on traditional farming methods. Countries like the UAE, which imports up to 90% of its caloric intake, face heightened vulnerabilities as global supply chains grow increasingly volatile. The ask is clear: how can the region meet its food security needs without further depleting its fragile ecosystems?
The answer lies in innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires more than just technological advancements; it demands strategic partnerships that unite global expertise and local knowledge. Bayer’s partnership with Silal, Abu Dhabi’s leading food and agriculture technology company, exemplifies this collaborative approach. Together, we are implementing innovative, on-the-ground solutions tailored to the region’s specific needs, creating a blueprint for sustainable agriculture in arid climates.
One of the cornerstone initiatives of this partnership is the BayG.A.P. capacity-building program, which empowers local farmers and agronomists with the skills and knowledge needed to adopt sustainable practices. The program follows a train-the-trainer model: agricultural engineers and farm managers are trained first, who then extend their expertise to over 300 growers within Silal’s network. By equipping farmers with these tools, the program not only enhances productivity but also reduces the environmental footprint of agriculture in the UAE.
Another key aspect of the collaboration is the undertaking of comprehensive vegetable seed trials. These trials involve testing over 40 varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and other crops in both open fields and mid-tech greenhouse setups. The goal is to identify crop varieties that thrive under the UAE’s desert conditions, characterized by extreme heat and high humidity. By assessing factors such as crop endurance, quality, and shelf life, these trials aim to improve yields and reduce post-harvest losses, contributing to a more resilient and efficient food system.
Artificial intelligence and data-driven tools can help address water scarcity challenges for farmers. Bayer is leveraging digital technologies to revolutionize farm management, which support the optimization of water use, fertilizers, and pest control measures. Precision agriculture technologies, enable farmers to make informed decisions based on real-time data, improving productivity while minimizing environmental impact. For instance, IoT sensors combined with AI advisory systems can predict pest outbreaks or recommend optimal irrigation schedules, ensuring that resources are used efficiently.
These efforts align closely with Bayer’s global mission of “Health for all, Hunger for none.” By integrating sustainability into every aspect of its operations, Bayer is addressing the dual challenge of feeding a growing population while combating climate change.
Looking ahead, the future of agriculture in the Middle East depends on continued innovation, supportive policies, and extensive regional cooperation. Regenerative agricultural practices, such as no/low till farming and soil restoration, offer significant potential to enhance soil health and sequester carbon. Scaling up water-efficient technologies, like drip irrigation, digitally enabled irrigation systems and high-tech glasshouse farming, will further bolster the region’s ability to produce food sustainably.
Moreover, the lessons learned from this collaboration have implications far beyond the UAE. While the challenges facing Middle Eastern agriculture are significant, they are not insurmountable. The time to act is now.
On World Environment Day, let us commit to bold action. Governments, private enterprises, and research institutions must work together to accelerate innovation, scale up sustainable practices, and empower farmers with the tools they need to succeed. Together, we can transform the Middle East’s agricultural sector into a global model of resilience and growth—one that thrives in harmony with nature and serves as a beacon of hope for regions facing similar challenges.
By Mr. Philipp-Andreas Schmidt, Head of Public Affairs, Science and Sustainability – Middle East at Bayer