AGRICULTURE
Good Vibrations Bring Bountiful Harvests in Gaza
Sep, 2019
Testing the theory that sound boosts plant growth, Fadel and his wife Linda often listen to music while working together in their greenhouse.
Since he was young, Fadel was musically inclined. When he grew up he became a drummer in a band. "Four years ago I broke my hand and had to stop drumming and look for another job," Fadel says. Finding employment is a daunting prospect in Gaza. Fadel's brother let him work on his farm so he could learn the trade. "Despite my brother's support, I couldn't make ends meet for my family," Fadel, a father of six, says.
"Fadel had serious depression until we received the greenhouse," Linda says. His experience working on his brother's farm was excellent preparation for operating his new greenhouse. "He spends most of his time in the greenhouse, working to get the most out of it," Linda says.
Fadel divides his workday in two, starting work in the greenhouse in the early morning and then returning in the evening, with the help of his four sons. He brings a strong knack for organization to his greenhouse operation, recording the details of his harvests as well as the costs, profits and prices in his notebook. His wife helps maintain the records. "I took a sales training course, so I can keep a spreadsheet of our expenses and revenue," Linda says.
"The greenhouse gives me a longer growing season, My tomatoes are ready to be sold today while other farmers are still preparing their harvests. This means I can sell at a higher price," says Fadel.
With the security offered by the greenhouse, Fadel and Linda are able to start planning for their future with a sense of hope and optimism.
