Growing pineapples in the Jordan Valley

In the northern Jordan Valley, Amer Basem Ahmad Faqha, a 34-year-old agricultural engineer from Tubas, has embarked on an ambitious journey to cultivate pineapples in Palestine. With a passion for agriculture and a strong desire to make a difference, Amer chose to apply his skills in the Ain Sakout area, where he aimed to preserve the land while exploring new crop opportunities.

Amer's decision to cultivate pineapples began with a single dunam (1,000 square meters) as a test plot to experiment with pineapple growing techniques. To ensure success, he attended specialized training abroad and connected with international experts online. His success with this initial crop inspired him to expand, eventually establishing the Deir Sa'wat Agricultural Cooperative Society, which now oversees six dunams of pineapple cultivation.

Amer participated in the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB), which was instrumental for his business development. By applying what he learned, Amer implemented an irrigation system, reducing water usage and lowering costs while safeguarding the crop from common issues like water damage and rot. He also introduced a surveillance camera system to enhance security and prevent theft.

The SIYB training enabled Amer to transform his approach to farming. Equipped with essential business skills, he improved operational efficiency and implemented meticulous record-keeping, allowing him to make data-driven decisions. Over the course of less than a year, the farm's irrigated land expanded from one karat (approximately 250 square meters) to eight karats.

The training helped me in developing marketing strategies, managing the marketing process, and creating a strong brand for the farm. Additionally, it enhanced problem-solving skills and sound decision-making and facilitated building a wide network of relationships within the local community, providing opportunities for knowledge exchange and sustainable project development.

Amer remains focused on future planning and cost analysis. He is developing a comprehensive marketing plan to better position his pineapples in a competitive market and attract a larger customer base. By analysing monthly and yearly costs, he closely monitors financial trends, using the insights to refine production and marketing strategies.