Photos: Supplied
Sharjah International Airport welcomed the second batch of 1,300 'A2A2' cows destined for the Mleiha dairy farm on Saturday evening, November 2. Driven by the escalating demand for organic milk and milk products, the farm is set to acquire 20,000 of these purebred cows over the next three years. Since the launch of Meliha organic milk in August, residents have been flocking to retail stores as early as 6am to secure their supply. By 10am, the daily batch of approximately 4,000 litres is usually sold out. The company is aiming to expand its product range before 2025, with plans to introduce yoghurt, flavoured infant milk, and long-life milk, among other products. With the latest shipment, the total number of cows at the farm has now reached 2,500. All cows are fed organic feed, free from chemical fertilisers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms, ensuring the production of high-quality milk.
This expansion is in line with the directives of Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and member of the Supreme Council, who aims to increase the nucleus herd to 8,000 by the end of 2025. Dr Khalifa Musbah Al Tunaiji, chairman of the Agriculture and Livestock Department and CEO of the Sharjah Agricultural and Animal Production Foundation 'Ektifa', underscored the significance of this initiative in meeting the needs of the local and Gulf markets. Al Tunaiji highlighted the growing community focus on healthier lifestyles and the rising demand for organic products, particularly Meliha milk. He noted that part of the organic feed is sourced from the farm's wheat cultivation in Meliha, further supporting local agriculture.
Looking ahead, the farm is scheduled to receive a third batch of 1,500 cows at the beginning of next year, which will help raise the herd to its target of 20,000 by 2027. Al Tunaiji expressed confidence that the expanded herd will play a pivotal role in enhancing food security in the UAE. "This initiative reflects our commitment to improving the quality of food available to our community and supporting public health," he said.
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