Amna Khalifa Al Qemzi grows watermelons and grapes in the desert

Amna Khalifa Al Qemzi, the UAE’s first female farmer and winner of the Abu Dhabi Awards, has been growing a variety of crops including tomatoes, grapes, figs, watermelon, red chillies and more in challenging desert conditions for many years.

Today, Ms Al Qemzi is recognised as a pioneer in organic farming. She was recently presented with an award by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for promoting environmental sustainability and sharing her expertise with all members of society.

Ms Al Qemzi’s passion for agriculture began as a hobby during the era of His Highness Sheikh Shahbut bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the twelfth ruler of Abu Dhabi. The woman recalls planting watermelon seeds for the first time, successfully harvesting the fruit and sharing the harvest with Sheikh Shahbut for three days.

Although she started her agricultural project in the backyard of the family home, Ms Al Qemzi’s diligence and passion have allowed her to expand her farming operation significantly.

Decades ago, she sent nine baskets filled with various fruits and vegetables to the late Sheikh His Highness Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president and founding father of the UAE.

Impressed with her crops, the late Sheikh ordered the registration of a farm in her name, which enabled Mrs Al Qemzi to grow more than 70 varieties of fruits and vegetables.

The success story of a woman farmer has become an example and inspiration for many young agriculturalists in the UAE. In the Abu Dhabi Awards video, Saeed Al Remeity, co-founder of The Organic Farm, said: “When I think of Amna Al Qemzi, I know she is a pioneer in agriculture. She brought seeds from different countries and planted them in the UAE, breaking the norms. And that became a real success.”

Source: Khaleej Times

Follow our Telegram Chanel