Hydroponic farming is taking off in the deserts of Libya. Here, farmer Mounir inspects lettuces growing without soil in a greenhouse in Qouwea, about 40 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli. AFP
Hydroponic farming is taking off in the deserts of Libya. Here, farmer Mounir inspects lettuces growing without soil in a greenhouse in Qouwea, about 40 kilometres east of the capital Tripoli. AFP
Growing vegetables like these lettuces hydroponically is still in its infancy in Libya, but proponents say the method could offer a path toward greater food self-sufficiency. AFP
Growing vegetables like these lettuces hydroponically is still in its infancy in Libya, but proponents say the method could offer a path toward greater food self-sufficiency. AFP
Mounir tours a greenhouse filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya, a country whose territory is 90 per cent arid desert. AFP
Mounir tours a greenhouse filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya, a country whose territory is 90 per cent arid desert. AFP
Mounir and Siraj Bechiya began training in hydroponics in Tunisia two years ago and together run the hydroponic farm at Qouwea in Libya. AFP
Mounir and Siraj Bechiya began training in hydroponics in Tunisia two years ago and together run the hydroponic farm at Qouwea in Libya. AFP
Mounir and Siraj plant sprouts for their plantation of hydroponically-grown lettuces. They say that high yield, low water usage and a lack of pesticides are all advantages of the farming method. AFP
Mounir and Siraj plant sprouts for their plantation of hydroponically-grown lettuces. They say that high yield, low water usage and a lack of pesticides are all advantages of the farming method. AFP
A polytunnel filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya. AFP
A polytunnel filled with hydroponically-grown lettuces in Qouwea, Libya. AFP
Lettuces thriving at Mounir and Siraj's hydroponic farm in Qouwea. The farming technique could make a big difference to food production in Libya, which is plagued by water shortages. AFP
Lettuces thriving at Mounir and Siraj's hydroponic farm in Qouwea. The farming technique could make a big difference to food production in Libya, which is plagued by water shortages. AFP
Siraj at the entrance of the greenhouse in Qouwea. There has been some improvisation on materials as the farm pioneers hydroponics in Libya. AFP
Siraj at the entrance of the greenhouse in Qouwea. There has been some improvisation on materials as the farm pioneers hydroponics in Libya. AFP

MENA

Farming without soil: Libyan entrepenuers use hydroponics to grow vegetables - in pictures

Hydroponic farming in the Libyan town of Qouwea uses greenhouses to grow produce

The National

April 14, 2021

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PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

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