UAE imports 4,500 Holstein cows from Uruguay to boost food security

As part of a drive to bolster food security in the United Arab Emirates, a shipment of nearly 4,500 Holstein cows has arrived in the country from Uruguay.

The bovines, known for high milk production, arrived at the Khalifa Port within 40 days from the date of import. It is worth noting that Holstein cows are perhaps the most recognized breed of dairy cattle.

The shipment of Holstein cattle is the first of the many planned ones, and many more would follow in the upcoming period, according to a report by the state-run news agency WAM.

It marks the ambitious launch for the largest dairy cattle breeding project in the UAE to enhance food security locally.

Speaking on the occasion, Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, said, “The UAE has a strong and flexible food system and can cope with all current and future changes. The wise leadership devotes the utmost importance to increase local food production, by enhancing cooperation and partnerships with various relevant local and global entities within the framework of the National Food Security Strategy, aimed at increasing possible local production via technology. The arrival of the first Holstein breeds shipment is a perfect step in strengthening the country’s efforts to enhance local production and place it in all UAE markets.”

On arrival, the cows were examined to make sure that there were no pathological symptoms. Also, the necessary samples were taken and sent to the lab for the cows to be quarantined for the specific period.

The UAE government has also taken several measures to ensure uninterrupted access to supplies amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The country is also looking to cultivate rice in order to lower its dependence on purchases from abroad.