Swedish firm’s automated cleaning could boost Qatar’s farm productivity

A Swedish company specialising in automated cleaning solutions for farms has highlighted how its innovative technology aligns with Qatar’s objectives towards sustainable practices and developing robust food production systems.Peg Söderberg, CEO and co-founder of Moving Floor, was in Qatar recently as part of a high-level delegation of leading Swedish companies that explored the Gulf nation’s investment climate and business opportunities.In an exclusive interview with Gulf Times, Söderberg emphasised that the company’s automated cleaning solutions can significantly enhance the efficiency and sustainability of farms."By maintaining cleaner environments, the health and well-being of farm animals improve, leading to higher yields. Cleaner floors reduce the risk of diseases, lower the need for antibiotics, and promote faster growth rates in livestock."Additionally, automated systems reduce labour costs and increase operational efficiency, allowing farmers to focus more on strategic aspects of farming, ultimately boosting productivity...furthermore, automating cleaning is labour-saving and has a quicker payback than traditional housing equipment,” she explained.According to a World Bank study, Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries are "among the most water-scarce countries globally.” Söderberg said, "It is important to mention as water is scarce in Qatar, Moving Floor does not use any water in the daily cleaning of the floors as this is only done mechanically...in some farming systems, water is excessively used for daily cleaning. Moving Floor reduces all that cleaning water usage, which is essential considering Qatar’s water scarcity.”Söderberg also pointed out that Moving Floor’s technology directly supports Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals by creating healthier farming environments. She further said these benefits can attract investment by demonstrating Qatar’s dedication to modern, sustainable agriculture, appealing to investors interested in environmental stewardship and public health.Asked how reduced ammonia emissions and antibiotic use align with Qatar’s sustainability and food security goals and attract investment, Söderberg noted that Moving Floor’s technology can reduce up to 85% of ammonia emissions, which contributes to less smell, better air quality, and lower environmental impact."We are seeing stringent legislation being implemented in the EU countries, limiting the ammonia emissions from farms by 50, 60, 70, and 85%, respectively for countries, such as Denmark, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. As of now, Moving Floor is the only innovative barn cleaning solution that can decrease as much as 85% of the emissions, providing us with a unique market position,” Söderberg stressed.She also said, "Improving the hygiene of the environment where the animals live leads to improved health and less antibiotics use. This is important as the majority of antibiotics globally are used in farming, contributing to the increase of antimicrobial resistance, deemed by WHO as the top three threats to humankind.”Söderberg added: "By minimising ammonia from livestock farming, our technology contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, ensuring a high feed efficiency of the animals (amount of kcal per litre of milk for example) is key when it comes to sustainable animal husbandry. Especially important for a region that imports the majority of the feed."The total reduction of CO2 is estimated at 10-20% depending on animal type. This aligns with Qatar’s broader environmental objectives and showcases the country’s commitment to sustainable development. Implementing our solutions can make Qatar’s agricultural sector more eco-friendly and resilient.”