Syria Produces 20,000 Tons of Flowers Valued at SP 2.4 Billion

Damascus - Production of flower and roses flourished in Syria recently, with farmers harvesting around 20,000 tons that provide an income of SP 2.4 billion each year.

Chairman of the Damask Rose Committee Mohammad Shabaani pointed out that the Damask rose (rosa damascena), which is the Syrian national flower, has been connected to Damascus and Syria since ancient times. It is grown across Syria, with around 500,000 rose shrubs all over the country.

The Damask rose has considerable economic value and can be an important resource for Syrian economy, Shabaani pointed out, adding that 30 tons of Damask roses are produced each year.

Chairman of the Committee of Private Nurseries in Damascus and its Countryside Abdul Majid al-Hilaiwa said there are 1500 plant nurseries in Syria growing ornamental plans and flowers, producing 3 million flowers per season that are exported to Arab Gulf countries and Europe.

Estimates show that Syria produces around a billion flowers per year distributed among 20 different species.

© SANA (Syria Arab News Agency) 2010

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