By Vicky Damalou**
Heenat Salma Farm in Doha is a multifaceted project of the Caravane Earth Foundation. This certified organic farm follows permaculture methods and is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and responsible farming. The farm uses only natural materials, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
Central to Heenat Salma’s approach is composting, transforming organic waste into nutrient-rich compost that enriches the soil, promotes plant health, and reduces landfill waste, all of which are part of the innovative farming techniques that the farm uses. The farm also applies multi-cropping, a traditional farming method that enhances biodiversity and improves soil health by growing various crops together, naturally deterring pests and reducing the need for chemical inputs.
Animal integration and soil management
The farm hosts a variety of animals, including chickens, sheep, and rabbits. These animals are integral to the permaculture system, consuming food and vegetable waste and providing plant nutrient-rich manure. Extensive use of mulching conserves soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and maintains stable soil temperatures, fostering a resilient farming system. During the scorching summer months, cover crops protect and enrich the soil, preventing erosion and maintaining soil structure.
Supporting local biodiversity and sustainable practices
Native plants and trees, such as Sidra, palm trees, and moringa, are crucial in Heenat Salma’s sustainability efforts. These well-adapted plants provide essential shade, reduce water loss, and create habitats for local wildlife, supporting biodiversity. Additionally, the farm integrates efficient irrigation systems and renewable energy sources, ensuring that every aspect of its operation aligns with the principles of sustainability and environmental care.
Heenat Salma envisions itself as a living laboratory that showcases the potential for regenerative farming practices in arid regions. The farm aims to transform these regions into fertile, biodiverse, and resilient landscapes, countering desertification and building a local, organic food supply in Qatar for the health and well-being of the nation. Heenat Salma also seeks to inspire a wide audience, including farmers, landowners, policymakers, educators, and homeowners, to support adopting organic farming principles and systems in Qatar and beyond.
**Vicky Damalou is an agri-educator at Heenat Salma Farm in Doha. The farm is a multifaceted project of the Caravane Earth Foundation that is dedicated to hospitality, regenerative agriculture, educational and cultural initiatives, traditional architecture and community development.
