by Brian Bishop
On the farm adjacent to HWY 101 access ramp in Lockhartville, a Halifax physician is reviving land last farmed more than 50 years ago. The new owners, Dr. Naeem Khan (L) and his wife, Dr. Hina Moshin, practice medicine at the IWK and teach at Dalhousie Medical School. Dr. Khan, a neuroradiologist, admits medicine is his first passion, but gardening is a close second. He believes both can allow him to make a difference in people’s lives.
Fulfilling a dream cultivated on his grandfather’s farm in Pakistan, Dr. Khan, with his wife’s support, has taken his enthusiasm for gardening to a new level with the purchase of the 58 acre farm. The land is ideal for organic certification, a goal of the new farmer. It has it has been free of pesticides, herbicides, and commercial fertilizers for many years.
2000 haskap berry bushes have arrived for planting and another 53,000 are on order. Although relatively new here, haskaps have been popular in Japan for years. The berry combines the tastes of blueberry, raspberry and black currant. High in antioxidants and rich in vitamins, it is quickly becoming recognized for its nutritional value by North American consumers. Food processors are eager to use its flavoring in jams, ice cream, etc. Chefs are creating exciting new tangy sauces for meats and salads.
Eco Ponds Organic Haskap Farm will experiment with other uncommon orchard crops. Gogi berry, tayberry, Russian mulberry, jostaberry, kiwi, apricot, sea buckhorn, almonds, walnuts, and chestnuts, are just some Dr. Khan plans to grow with the hope of introducing new cash crops to local farmers.
I visited this farm in July 2013, while it was in making. However, this year i.e in 2015 it produced its first yield. A very good initiative and dedication shown by the owner who is practicing doctor to take out time from his busy schedule for this activity. God Bless him for his hard work and contribution to the society.
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