With the arrival of spring, the market for buying and selling flowers and seedlings in Kabul has increased, but some flower sellers say their sales have dropped compared to past years.
“Compared to previous years, the amount of sales has decreased, the amount of flowers is more, but visitors are a little less,” said Homayoun, a seller.
“We have more than 500 to 600 varieties of flowers that used to be imported from outside Afghanistan but now, fortunately, are grown and sold in Afghanistan by our own farmers,” said Feraidon, a seller.
Kabul residents say that widespread poverty is the cause fir low flower sales.
“Compared to every year that we see, there is no growth in the flower market, I do not understand why the changes have taken place …,” said Abdul Manan, a resident in Kabul.
“In the past, when we came here, a lot of people were here, but today, when we came here, there was no one. When we came only one or two people were here,” said Shir Agha, a resident of Kabul.
Tree-planting campaigns have been launched in recent weeks in various parts of Kabul and other provinces around the country.
Meanwhile, a local firm in Nangarhar province, in the east of Afghanistan, has leased 300 hectares of land to grow rose and process it for perfume industry.
Owner of Orzala Naturals, Abdullah Arsalan, says they export the product to western countries.
He has hired at least 2,000 farmers to work in his fields and factory.
“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.
Farmers said they used to cultivate poppy on their fields and now are happy that they have shifted from poppy cultivation to rose farming.
“From 100 to 150 people are working here and the work is very good. All are happy for being here,” Fazlullah, a farmer, said.
“We work everyday. The workers collect the flowers and receive salary based on their work,” Yar Mohammad, a worker, said.
The workers said working in the company has changed their lives.
“This is a good work. Employment opportunity has been provided for people and I also work here,” Naqibullah, a worker said.
Musa Khan, 55, said he used to cultivate poppy on his fields and that he has left the illegal practice right now.
“We work here and earn legal money. Our income is good and we are happy for working here,” Musa Khan said.—Tolonews
