Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Steering clear of artificial cultivation methods, Al Bahia Lime Farm in Abu Dhabi adopts natural agricultural techniques to produce its main crop, the Brazilian lime.
In an interview with Aletihad, Humaid Al Darmaki, who runs the farm, said that they are committed to developing innovative methods to improve both quality and yield.
“Agriculture is a wonderful field that our Prophet Muhammad encouraged us to pursue, and it is a tradition we inherited from our ancestors. We can see our leaders’ strong interest in agriculture and food security. It is from this support that my passion and love for this field began,” Al Darmaki said.
When asked about the farm’s focus the Brazilian variant of lime, Al Darmaki said that they are adaptable to high temperatures and continue to produce all year long.
The Brazilian lime stands apart from other limes, mainly due to its seedless nature. Moreover, it provides a greater juice yield compared to other lemons and is recognised for its prolific output, with a generous supply of fruit throughout the year.
Due to its exceptional heat tolerance and adaptability to different climates, this variety is perfect for cultivation in open environments.
Notably, the trees demand minimal care and are cultivated in a natural manner, without the need for external treatments.
Their care is straightforward and cost-effective, requiring only regular fertilisation and irrigation.
Elaborating on their agricultural techniques, Al Darmaki said that they rely on the air layering system, a plant propagation method where a cut or wound is made in the bark of an aerial branch that remains attached to the mother plant.
“This stimulates the cut site to form new roots, allowing us to grow a complete tree with fruit in a relatively short time. Moreover, air layering has a high success rate compared to other propagation methods and incurs minimal cost,” he said.
He added that the method is seamless and requires no special skills, since the most important aspect is that the new tree is an exact replica of the mother tree in every characteristic.
He noted that Al Bahia Lime Farm seedlings can be obtained at the farm or through their social media platforms.
“The lime tree grows quickly, and the more suitable the environment for seedling growth, the shorter the time required. During the flowering stage, the lime tree begins to form buds, which then bloom into white flowers,” he said.
“The flower turns into a fruit that continues to grow, leading to the ripening stage. Lime fruits take a short time to ripen, but it is important to maintain soil moisture, apply fertilisers during this period, and manage any pests that may affect the tree,” he added.
Regarding tree care, he recommended planting them in a sunny, sheltered area. “Water them weekly or biweekly, making sure the soil remains moist without becoming waterlogged. As lime trees are sensitive to cold, consistent fertilisation is important for promoting healthy growth and fruiting,” Al Darmaki said.
Harvesting before the fruit is fully ripe can lead to subpar quality. Therefore, meticulous attention to the ripening process is crucial, he noted.
By adopting sustainable methods like drip irrigation, the farm contributes to sustainable agriculture in Abu Dhabi and ensures a steady supply of fresh produce to the local community, focusing on water conservation and soil quality, Al Darmaki said.
Furthermore, the farm enhances food self-sufficiency and decreases reliance on imports by cultivating a diverse range of local crops.
It conserves natural resources with eco-friendly practices and supports public health by providing fresh, chemical-free produce.
The farm also provides advice and consultations to anyone interested in agriculture. Recently, Al Bahia Lime Farm has welcomed visitors from various segments of society, including school and university students, as well as social media influencers. The farm also participated in several local exhibitions to showcase its products.
