Muscat, Oman, 18-20 September 2018
Dr. Khalid Al-Assaf – Executive Director of Estidamah Center – shared the Center’s experiences in protected cultivation in the 9th GPCA Fertilizer Convention organized by the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) in Kempinski Hotel Muscat, Oman on 18-20 September 2018.
In his presentation, Dr. Al-Assaf further highlighted Estidamah’s successes in agricultural research, farm outreach and its leadership role in supporting the global fertilizer industry. Also, Dr. Al-Assaf presented some of Estidamah’s research topics and results, including experiments related to light, climate control, water usage as well as the different substrate materials used in soilless cultivation. He also pointed to the future potential research topics on substrate materials and water recycling.
In fact, Estidamah aims to identify technological advancements and developments that benefit the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture and its partners, Saudi agriculture-dependent companies and producers, related agriculture sector service providers and the Saudi economy and society. The Center focuses on developing innovations in greenhouse technologies that would improve its water use efficiency and light transmission. Through research, Estidamah identifies practical and applicable solutions for the development, improvement and implementation of agriculture technologies in the Kingdom.
Held under the theme “New frontiers and opportunities”, the event reflected on several key issues, including the transformation strategies and economic diversification drive, the regional fertilizers industry is undergoing a period of change. The Conference also discussed feedstock prices, constraints in the supply of gas within the region and increasing competition in markets abroad as they are forcing the industry to look for new ways to remain competitive by capitalizing on its strengths and seeking new opportunities for collaboration and innovation.
The GPCA Fertilizer Convention has established itself as the Middle East’s leading platform to network, share best practices and exchange ideas for the future in a highly dynamic business landscape. Each year industry experts, thought leaders and senior officials from the GCC and beyond come together to connect, expand their knowledge and share insight into the latest trends driving growth in the fertilizer market.