FODDER SOLUTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVESTOCK FARMING

Tarannum Malik, Chairperson and Managing Director of Al Aliyo Hydrofarms, started the company to offer a long-term solution to the much-neglected challenges of the agro-industry in the UAE. They have a growth and harvest capacity of 15,000kgs per day of fresh grass for animal feed.

"Our vision is in sync with the UAE national agenda to strengthen significant food supply chains across all strata of society on top priority. We reside in a desert with sub-tropical arid summers and warm winters, where the flora is sparse. Hence, we aim to contribute to the UAE government's food security efforts by providing topnotch green fodder directly to farmers", says Tarannum Malik.

Hydroponic farming has been gaining steam as it eliminates the dependency on climatic conditions, seasons, and soil. Plant production occurs in a monitored sterile environment sans human interference. Hence, the product tends to grow faster, uses less water, and is chemical and pesticide-free. Furthermore, hydroponic grass is easier to harvest and has higher nutritional value.

Hydroponic fresh fodder invariably results in healthier livestock. Animals have better gastrointestinal health, and there are lesser chances of ulcers, colic, acidosis, and laminitis. Moreover, feeding fresh grass results in healthier weight gain and better hydration. There is improved milk yield and fat composition.

Despite growing premium produce, Al Aliyo’s hydroponic fodder is economical and affordable vis-à-vis the dry grass and feed currently available in the market.

Al Aliyo cuts through the noise in the hydroponic industry for the following reasons:

• They use no chemical fertilizers or pesticides in the growth process. Additionally, the grass is grown under strictly monitored hygiene and sanitary protocol.

• They consume up to 90% lesser water than conventional farming. Additionally, they use atmospheric condensers and save up to 2000 liters of water daily.

• They control their facility temperatures with state-of-the-art, green HVAC systems.

• They use no soil.

• They grow in 3500 sqft within one week what a hectare of land yields annually.

• Their seeds undergo a thorough cleansing process to eliminate dust, mud, and other contaminants, thus reducing the possibility of colic and other gastrointestinal illnesses.

• They pride themselves on providing safe and healthy fodder compared to the commercially available dry fodder options in the market.

Al Aliyo Hydrofarms has reimagined innovation to combat climate change and is on the cusp of a green revolution. Helmed by a strong woman, they are changing the fodder solutions spectrum for sustainable livestock farming, one feed at a time.

For more information, visit www.alaliyofarms.ae