UAE Farmer Offers Key Tips for Winter Crop Cultivation

As temperatures begin to drop across the United Arab Emirates, farmers are preparing for the winter planting season, a time that demands thorough planning to ensure successful crop growth. This preparation involves tasks such as clearing land, enhancing soil fertility, and inspecting irrigation systems, all of which are crucial steps taken before sowing the first seeds.

Ahmed Al Hafiti, an Emirati farmer, emphasized the critical role of soil and land preparation in farming. He stated that "preparing the land and the soil is half of farming," highlighting that many growers neglect soil conditions and subsequently face crop failures.

Al Hafiti also pointed out the diversity of farming environments within the UAE, which includes sandy desert soils, clay soils, and mountainous areas. He noted that temperature variations across regions, such as Fujairah being five to ten degrees Celsius cooler than Dubai, make it important for farmers to consider local climate and terrain when deciding what crops to plant and when.

He advised new farmers to start small and tailor their cultivation practices to the specific conditions of their area to increase the chances of a successful harvest during the winter season.