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- Country of residence: Palestine
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Moamen Amr
A Palestinian resists the occupation's monopoly on growing rare flowers
On his farm located in the town of Dura, the Palestinian Moamen Amr buys rare types of flowers that are grown for the first time in his country, resisting the monopoly of the Israeli occupation authorities on them.
Moamen Amr, 37, was able to provide a special climate for growing two rare types of flowers, namely snowdrops and hugs, on a 2,000-square-meter farm in the town of Dura, south of Hebron, in the West Bank.
In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Amr says, "After research and scientific study, I succeeded in providing a suitable environment for these two cultivars, and growing them for the first time in the West Bank." He added, "These flowers need appropriate lighting and shade, and providing them with special hormonal materials (...) Such cultivation requires special care and effort based on a study."
Commenting on the import of seedlings from inside Israel, Amr says: "The Israeli monopoly costs us high sums. The cost of growing hug plants and snow reached about $10,000, which is a preliminary cost."
He explained: "It is forbidden to import any agricultural materials directly from abroad to the Palestinian market, and all our supplies for nurseries and farms come from the Israeli market." Amr said that these rare flowers in Palestine add a unique beauty to rose bouquets, as he markets his products in the West Bank, with prices and quality that compete with the Israeli product. He added: “The demand for purchasing flowers increases during the seasons of birthdays, university and school graduation parties, and Mother’s Day.”
As for snow white flowers and hugs, they are an addition to most rose bouquets, as they are a main component of bouquets, according to Amr.
the beginning
Moamen Amr started his agricultural project in early 2006, but in the last three years he began expanding it and introducing new and unconventional varieties.
Since obtaining his bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, Amr has invested his studies in his field of work, as he aspires to expand his farm to add new types of ornamental flowers to cover the needs of the Palestinian market.
The farm produces about 8,000 flowers per month. In addition to snow and hugs, it produces several varieties, most notably the rose flower in all its colors.
Amr pointed out that he is working on producing improved types of flowers to add a beautiful look to the farm, which exudes fragrant scents, the fragrance of which reaches the surroundings of the place. He explained that he built a basin to collect rainwater and irrigated his farm in the winter, while he obtained it at high prices in the summer.
The Palestinian farmer says that the Corona virus pandemic negatively affected his farm, which forced him, at the beginning of the pandemic in early March, to destroy large quantities of flowers, causing significant material losses.
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