The wheat farm project in Mleiha, which was opened in November by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, is getting ready to produce its first harvest. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Drone images show the vast green patches. The farm covers 400 hectares, about the size of 500 football pitches. Photo: Supplied
The irrigation system at the farm. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Dr Khalifa Musabeh Ahmed Alteneiji, Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock, says the harvest should begin within weeks. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The crop has been grown without the use of pesticides, chemicals or genetically modified seeds. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The plan is to reach a total area of 1,900 hectares. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An on-site weather station can predict temperature, wind speed and humidity up to 48 hours ahead. If rain is forecast, the farm cuts down on irrigation. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The fields are irrigated using a reservoir with a capacity of 16,000 cubic metres. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The irrigation system in action. Chris Whiteoak / The National
In four months, the desert land has been transformed into a green oasis, ready to yield up to 1,700 tonnes of wheat. Chris Whiteoak / The National
