Rose cultivation provides new job opportunities in Nangarhar
A local company in eastern Nangarhar province has hired around 2,000 farmers to cultivate damask rose, a precious flower.
The farmers grow the roses on 300 hectares of farm-land on the outskirts of Nangarhar. Abdullah Arsalan, the owner of Orzala Naturals which runs the production, says the flowers are used to produce perfume, which is then exported to western countries.
“Damask rose is being cultivated in 300 hectares of land. We produce perfume from the rose. Then we export the perfume to Germany, France and Canada,” Arsalan said in an interview with Tolo News.
The farmers who have been hired by the company used to grow poppies on their fields but were happy to be able to move to farming roses.
Yar Mohammad, who works for Orzala Naturals, said the salary he receives has changed his life.
“We work every day. The workers collect the flowers and receive [a] salary based on their work,” Yar Mohammad said.
Creating job opportunities, such as the ones offered by the flower farm, provides a stable income opportunity for local citizens.
“This is a good work. Employment opportunities have been provided for people and I also work here,” Naqibullah, one of the farm workers said.
“We love our country. If we are provided with good living conditions, especially job opportunities, no Afghan would need to migrate to European countries,” Naqibullah concluded.
TMP – 11/05/2018
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