Kuwait’s first homegrown bananas hit market

The first commercial batch of luxury Kuwaiti bananas has officially entered the market, marking a major milestone for local agriculture and fulfilling the long-held dream of farmer Eid Sari Al-Azmi.

The bananas were first made available at the Farzat Al-Sulaibiya market on Wednesday, bringing fresh, locally produced fruit directly to citizens and residents.

Al-Azmi confirmed that production will continue daily, with plans to supply the market consistently and identify direct sales points to make the fruit more accessible without requiring visits to traditional vegetable markets.

He also revealed plans to increase production from 300 to 500 boxes starting in October, ensuring an abundant supply throughout the banana season, which runs from October to May.

To further encourage local cultivation, Al-Azmi will sell banana seedlings, allowing gardening enthusiasts to grow the fruit at home. The banana trees are expected to begin producing fruit approximately three months after planting, creating opportunities for sustainable home-grown produce.

Al-Azmi emphasized the importance of giving local products priority in cooperative societies, suggesting dedicated shelves for locally grown produce or facilitating direct purchases from farmers. He believes this initiative benefits everyone by offering fresh, affordable food while supporting Kuwait’s agricultural sector.

This achievement follows Al-Rai’s exclusive coverage last year of Al-Azmi’s banana cultivation journey in Abu Dhabi, which highlighted his pioneering efforts in establishing Kuwait’s first commercial banana production.

Today, his dream has become a reality, setting a precedent for future agricultural innovation in the country.