United Arab Emirates turn to potatoes for food security

Abu Dhabi is planning to increase the production of potatoes as part of food security measures. This is in view of the fact that the storage life of potatoes can last as long as six to eight months and hence protect the country against possible food shortages in future.

In 2009, the UAE imported more than 100,000 tonnes of potatoes of which 90,500 tonnes were from Saudi Arabia.

“Food shortages are happening more frequently all over the world, so when Abu Dhabi’s own farmers grow potatoes, the country is not as reliant on other countries,” officials told a press conference yesterday.

Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Centre (ADFSC) has launched Potato Seed Programme for the 2011-2012 growing season which will help produce 4,000 tonnes of potatoes this year, Chris Hirst, CEO of ADFSC, said.