Abdullatif Al Banna, an Emirati farmer, has proven that cultivating delicious pineapples in the desert is achievable and beneficial for the environment. He shares his experience of annually growing 4,000 juicy and sweet pineapples without resorting to harmful chemicals or fertilizers, encouraging others to follow.
At the Climate Future Week (CFW) event, Abdullatif emphasized the ease of farming in the UAE for about three months each year when the environment is suitable for planting crops. He urged everyone, including those with small garden patches, to embrace farming and contribute to a greener future through hard work and dedication.
Abdullatif stressed the avoidance of chemical fertilizers to preserve essential insects vital for maintaining environmental balance. He advocated for the production of high-quality crops without harmful chemicals as a way to benefit the environment and sustainably grow food.
On his farm in Al Awir, Abdullatif has been growing thousands of pineapples for over eight years. He manages four greenhouses, each measuring 36 by 8 meters, where he cultivates 1,000 pineapples in each. Besides pineapples, he nurtures tomatoes, dates, and a variety of other plants, but pineapples hold a special place due to their uniqueness and delightful taste.
Abdullatif’s journey with pineapples began from a spark of curiosity when his friend, Adil Lootah, mentioned that pineapples could thrive in the UAE environment. Abdullatif tested 300 saplings in different environments, discovering that only those grown inside the greenhouse survived and thrived. The exceptional taste of these pineapples inspired him to continue cultivating, resulting in an impressive yield of 4,000 pineapples.
Furthermore, Abdullatif doesn’t sell his pineapples. Instead, he generously shares them with friends, family, and relatives, finding immense happiness in their appreciation of the sweetest pineapples they have ever tasted. His altruistic spirit and passion for farming inspire others to embark on their farming journeys, nurturing their gardens, and positively contributing to the environment.
Abdullatif Al Banna’s story demonstrates the possibilities of successful and environmentally friendly farming in the desert. His dedication to sustainable farming and the joy he finds in sharing his produce serve as an inspiration for others to embrace farming and collectively work towards a greener, more sustainable future.
