'Favourite young farmer': Meet 10-year-old who grows fruits, vegetables in his backyard
At just 10 years old, Musleh Saeed Al Aryani has already made a name for himself in the world of agriculture. His journey began at the tender age of four during visits to his grandmother's farm, where he first fell in love with the art of farming. Now, six years later, he has transformed his small backyard into a thriving garden, growing a variety of fruits and vegetables that he uses to create his unique recipes for "protein bombs," a nutritious mix of natural, vegan ingredients.
Recently, Musleh was recognised at an agricultural exhibition, where he was introduced by Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment. During her speech, she affectionately referred to him as her 'favourite young farmer,' highlighting the importance of young talents in the agricultural sector.
"My first plant was watercress," Musleh recalled. "I started farming by watching my grandmother and trying to replicate what she did. At first, I was a bit disruptive, but now I've gotten much better." His dedication reflects the wisdom of Sheikh Zayed, who famously said, "Give me agriculture and I will give you civilisation."
Musleh's garden is now home to an impressive array of crops, including carrots, peppers, garlic, eggplant, potatoes, cauliflower, cherry peppers, and cherry tomatoes. He credits his success to perseverance: "If I mess up, I don't stop; I just keep going."
Initially given a small plot in his yard, Musleh's farming space has expanded as he gained confidence and skill. With the support of his father, Saeed, who provided guidance and tools, Musleh has achieved self-sufficiency for his family through his produce.
"My mother helps me with everything," Musleh added. Together, they create diverse recipes, including a protein bomb made from mung beans mixed with olive oil and thyme. Other ingredients he loves to use are fenugreek, cumin, turmeric, and black cumin.
Musleh's journey has not only been about growing food but also about sharing his passion. He proudly displays his products at exhibitions and maintains an active presence on Instagram, where he connects with fellow farming enthusiasts.
As he looks to the future, Musleh dreams of becoming an agricultural engineer, driven by a desire to innovate and expand his farming practices. "I want to keep growing and learning," he says, embodying the spirit of the UAE's commitment to agricultural transformation.
Dr. Amna emphasised the importance of supporting Emirati farmers during her speech, stating, "Food security cannot be achieved without well-supported farmers."
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