“Women improve the soil fertility with their labor”
Growing corn with her labor, İlhan Ebd-El Semed said, “I want every woman to be involved in agriculture because women improve the soil fertility with their labor and production.”
ROJ HOZAN
Qamishlo- Agriculture is a vital part of life in every society. Every society grows different types of plants according to the geographical conditions. Corn is one of the most valuable crops in the Middle East. Corn is grown in many temperate areas throughout the world. In North and East Syria, farmers plant corn once a year.
Where is corn grown?
Most scientists and historians believe the people who lived in central Mexico were the first to develop corn. It can be two meter-long depending on the geography. It is planted in summer because it needs a warm climate. It matures in 90 days. After the harvesting of corn seeds, the seeds are stored to be planted the next year. İlhan Ebd-El Semed grows corn in the Maşoqê village of Qamishlo’s Tirbespiyê town.
“Agriculture is our only source of living”
Stating that their village is known as a green village and for its water supplies, İlhan Ebd-El Semed said, “We have a lot of water and fertile soil. For this reason, we grow corn in the village. We also grow wheat and barley. Agriculture is our only source of living. We plant our fields two or three times a year to earn a living. For several years, rainfall has been less and the prices of agricultural products are very expensive now.”
“Corn is an important product and has many benefits”
Noting that corn is an important product and has many benefits for human health, İlhan Ebd-El Semed said, “Growing corn is not expensive. It must be planted in summer and needs water. This year, we planted abundantly because we have spring water in our village and there is a water tank in our field. Every day, I go to our field with my husband and water corn.”
“Women improve the soil fertility with their labor”
Indicating that they receive a recompense for their work, İlhan Ebd-El Semed said, “We will harvest corn a month later. Some people consume boiled corn while others make cornbread. We grow corn for ourselves and our animals. I want every woman to be involved in agriculture because women improve the soil fertility with their labor and production.”