A South Korean agritech firm has announced plans to launch nutritionally-enhanced crops in the UAE after unveiling a new research and development project in Abu Dhabi.
Seoul-based N.THING has partnered with Smart Acres, the UAE’s latest vertical farm, to launch the R&D project with 10 40ft containers in the UAE capital.
The project will enable an extensive product portfolio and achieve crop improvement by producing higher yields and enhancing nutritional quality, a statement said.
Through the use of biotechnology, N.THING said it is committed to reinvesting and focusing its efforts in implementing R&D technology to build a long-term and sustainable partnership within the UAE.
In collaboration with Smart Acres, the R&D unit will focus on developing crops with enhanced nutritional qualities, particularly for patients with severe diabetes, heart conditions and kidney disease.
The new R&D function also aims to develop recipes for various types of crops such as low-potassium, low nitrate lettuce.
Since its inception, Smart Acres has successfully produced a line of fresh, nutrient-dense greens for UAE residents and businesses alike.
Recently it has harvested mature species of lettuce, exceeding industry-targeted weights for vertical farming, a rare achievement among all vertical farms in the GCC region, the statement added.
Harin Song, N.THING’s regional manager for the MENA region, said: “We are delighted to be the first agritech company to develop functional crops in the UAE. Our advanced technology will enable the highest flavour and nutritional content of crops, while reducing the transportation miles, time, and extended shelf life. We are happy to launch our first R&D with Smart Acres to continue our mission to improve food security in the UAE.”
N.THING formally launched operations in the UAE in 2020 after successfully completing its proof of concept in Abu Dhabi in partnership with Smart Acres.
Follow us on
