Lemon trees flourish in his garden
Farmer in Halabja urges growers to diversify their produce outside of pomegranates
HALABJA, January 18 — A farmer in Halabja is advocating that growers in the region diversify their agricultural produce beyond conventional items, and consider planting lemon trees.
Farmer Aso Fatah has harvested his first planting of lemons, having bought seeds in a local agricultural office in the city.
“Let’s not limit ourselves to planting just pomegranates,” he told 964media. “Lemons are not only valuable but also have a prolonged shelf life.”
Fatah emphasized the limited variety of agricultural products in the area, noting the high demand for pomegranate trees in various regions like Garmiyan, Erbil, Kirkuk, and Chamchamal, while neglecting other fruits.
Highlighting the benefits of lemon cultivation, Fatah stated, “This year, I have successfully grown lemons, and due to the region’s suitable climate and the adaptability to various products, they can be stored for an extended period if planted in a timely manner.”
Renowned for its richness in essential vitamins and minerals, lemons are considered valuable for treating various ailments, providing a rich source of phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.