Heenat Salma Farm
An initiative dedicated to holistic methods in agriculture, architecture and community development.
The extensive usе of chemical fertilizers and industrialization of agriculture have led to land erosion and water scarcity along with a worldwide loss of vitality, resilience and nutritional value in the crops we eat.
In collaboration with the Al Attiya Family, our team is addressing the global need for ethical approaches to local agricultural initiatives, driven by the purpose to heal the Land.
In 2019, we brought together a group of dedicated professionals in agronomy, architecture, water infrastructure and craft to develop a holistic farm model and 10-year strategy aimed at converting a conventional farm in Qatar into a centre for regenerative agriculture. Alongside agriculture, the centre is a place for hospitality, vocation, education, craftsmanship and wellbeing—each field of activity supporting others in a wholesome system.
Our master plan includes 20 farm structures designed by Arturo Vittori and a circular water management system devised in collaboration with Inspire India. Learn more about Farm Architecture.
Through organic farming, education and research, we aim to empower others to practice regenerative agriculture.
Heenat Salma Farm carries the vision of integrated wellbeing. Each element of the organism, be it land, animal, plant or human, takes part in the cultivation of a culture that starts with the soil.
Holistic methodology allows us to sustain the farm without using any chemicals. It includes simple techniques that bring animal waste, plant waste, and soil into a healthy relationship, transforming each element into fertility in the farm organism. The production of natural manures using what is available at the farm can potentially eliminate the dependence on chemical fertilizers enabling the Land to move toward natural equilibrium and resilience.
For soil to yield vital produce, it must first be alive. Regenerative agriculture is the practice of cultivating and maintaining vital soil.
We envision Heeinat Salma Farm as a living laboratory that facilitates cross-disciplinary awareness modules in food culture and practical programmes in regenerative agriculture. Working with the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department at Qatar University and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, we seek to share organic farming principles with farmers, locals, land owners and policy makers.
“The farm, conceived and managed in its most ideal form as an ‘organism’, is thus a unique example of how modern cultures – which have become fragmented in so many ways – can study, research, learn, practice and develop cultural (both agri-cultural and socio-cultural) initiatives that will make for healthy soil, healthy souls, and healthy society.”
In partnership with Gulf Organization for Research and Development (GORD) we will conduct extensive research on how green fencing built with native trees and shrubs increases soil humidity and forms healthy micro-climatic zones. We also plan to study manures (CPP, compost & biochar) which can be produced from farm waste.
On the farm we plan to provide the opportunity for guests to stay in elegant and down-to-earth tents. Caravane hospitality is rooted in the principle of service, and we are passionate about cultivating an atmosphere in which strangers become friends and guests feel at home. Farm activities, wellness programmes, wholesome meals and gatherings at the fire will be available to anyone who comes to stay.
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