Ektifa Inaugurates Advanced Farm Waste-to-Compost Technology at Mleiha Dairy Farm
A pioneering composting facility at Mleiha Dairy Farm in Sharjah now processes 24 tonnes of organic waste daily, converting agricultural by-products into nutrient-rich fertiliser through patented New Zealand technology.
Sharjah has taken a significant step forward in sustainable agriculture with the inauguration of an innovative farm waste-to-compost facility at Mleiha Dairy Farm. The state-of-the-art technology, which processes 24 tonnes of organic waste daily, was formally opened during a visit by Dr. Richard Kay, New Zealand Ambassador to the UAE, and his delegation.
Dr. Khalifa Musabah Al Tunaiji, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Agriculture and Livestock and CEO of Ektifa, oversaw the inauguration and welcomed the ambassadorial delegation to the facility. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the emirate’s leading food production initiatives and explore potential collaborations in dairy farming and sustainable agricultural practices.
Circular Economy in Action
The composting facility represents a transformative approach to resource management. Using HotRot technology, a specialised in-vessel organic waste composting system developed in New Zealand and deployed in cooperation with CHS, the facility converts waste from dairy, poultry and sheep farming into valuable compost within just 14 days. The process combines agricultural waste with tree materials, sawdust and other organic substances, undergoing natural fermentation without the addition of chemical solutions or synthetic additives.
The resulting fertiliser is entirely odour-free and will be distributed across Ektifa’s extensive network of wheat, vegetable and fruit farms. This closed-loop approach exemplifies the circular economy model, transforming what would otherwise be waste into a precious agricultural asset that enhances soil quality and fertility.
Advancing Food Security and Sustainability
Dr. Al Tunaiji emphasised the significance of this development, noting that Mleiha Dairy Farm is the first fully enclosed facility in the region to employ such technology. The installation reinforces Ektifa’s commitment to achieving zero waste across all its farming and production operations whilst adhering to Sharjah’s broader objectives for resource sustainability and responsible stewardship.
The technology’s capacity to minimise odours, control pests and prevent liquid leachate from waste demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of environmental challenges inherent in large-scale agricultural operations. By incorporating these innovations, Ektifa strengthens its position as a leader in modern, ecologically conscious food production.
The visit underscored the value of international partnerships in advancing agricultural excellence, with New Zealand’s expertise in sustainable farming practices contributing to the UAE’s continued development of food security initiatives that balance productivity with environmental responsibility.
Source: WAM