DUBAI // A community farm for villa residents will be open to all after neighbours complained about being excluded.
The farm in Dubai Silicon Oasis is being set up to encourage families to grow fruit and vegetables over the winter months, but on October 20 a notice told residents: “Community farm initiative is open for Cedre and Semmer Villas tenants only (Parents & Children). Gardeners, maids and outsiders are not allowed at all times.”
Nicola Locke, who recently moved out of the community, said those living in flats needed the space more to grow vegetables as villa owners had their own private gardens to do it.
“I really do not understand this idea of a community farm when all houses in Semmer and Cedre have a large enough garden to grow vegetables,” said the 46-year-old Briton.
“I firmly believe this should be purely for flats or just for maids to be able to utilise the space. They have excluded the only two groups that need the space, and included the only group that doesn’t it.”
However, this week a decision was made by community management to open the allotments to all residents.
So far, 75 families have registered to participate in the scheme, where they will each be given a plot of land, equipped with irrigation, to grow vegetables through the winter, until March next year.
Khalil Shalan, senior vice president of operations and facilities at Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority, said 2,000 square metres of land next to Cedre Villas would be distributed among participants, with each given 8 square metres they must ensure is kept clean.
One resident of Cedre Villas thought it was a great idea.
“We’ve been living in Cedre Villas for over four years now and have grown fruits and vegetables in our backyard since,” said 52-year-old French expatriate Patty Gay, who has started a Facebook group called DSO Community Farm.
“I’m actively involved in a few campaigns on urban gardening and I fully support this initiative.”
Another Cedre Villa resident who is taking part, Rachna Agarwal, said she was planning to grow spinach, cabbage and lettuce.
“My preference is more for green, leafy vegetables and those that do not required much care,” said the 39-year old Indian who has lived in the community for more than four years.
Ms Agarwal said she will also involve her children.
“This will instil more interest among kids to grow their own vegetables and it takes them out from their comfort zones and electronic gadgets,” she said.
“It would be a great way to connect our kids with the soil and tell them how difficult it is to grow food that we waste without realising.”
Community management said whatever is produced is for the people who run the plots but that a competition would take place to reward the best growers at a forthcoming community bazaar.
“The winners will be chosen based on several criteria and evaluated by a team of farming experts who will routinely check the plots for the duration of the initiative,” said Mr Shalan.
“This is the first year we have deployed this initiative.
“Based on the response from the community, we will consider running a second edition.”
The deadline for registering for a plot is November 30, and all participants will have the chance to win awards for the produce they grow.
akhaishgi@thenational.ae
