Pomegranate cultivation a source of income, way of life for Kufrsoum residents

IRBID — Walking through the northern village of Kufrsoum, in Irbid, one would see farmers sitting on roadsides to display their produce of pomegranate, as the season kicked off around two weeks ago. 

The pomegranate-rich town of some 20,000 inhabitants, around 90km north of Amman, is a destination not only for residents of neighbouring villages but for lovers of the fruit from other areas, such as the cities of Irbid and Amman, according to farmers. 

The pomegranate farms are located only 1km away from the village of Kufrsoum at an area known as Ain Saeed, where the water springs are used to water the crops. 

Ahmad Mefleh Obeidat told The Jordan Times recently that the pomegranate season in the village is an important source of income for farm owners, as a small farm of two dunums makes an income of over JD10,000. 

“Demand for our pomegranate is huge, with visitors from neighbouring areas and Amman flocking to Ain Saeed to buy the fruit,” he said. 

Most of the farmers sleep in their farms for nearly two months during the season because it is an industry for them. 

Ahmad Mefleh, 80, said he owns a farm of just four dunums, where his sons and grandchildren work with him. 

“I love the pomegranate season, not because of the money we make but because I have a passion for the tree,” he said. 

At the neighbouring farm, Abu Mohammad Al Biss was urging workers to speed up collecting fruit before sunset. 

Biss said the pomegranate season helps most households in the town meet living expenses and tuition fees of their children at universities. 

“Most of the households here own farms in the valley,” he said, adding that many young people find temporary employment during the season.

According to Hassan Obeidat, another farmer, pomegranate farms are spread over 1,000 dunums. 

“The pomegranate here is known for its light red colour, sweet taste and delicate seeds,” Hassan said, adding that some fruit can weigh as much as 1kg.

A kilo of pomegranate is sold at around JD2 in the town. 

Farmers not only sell pomegranate fruit but also molasses, an essential cooking ingredient for many Jordanians.  

Um Thamer, who was preparing molasses, said she makes over 500kg a year for its loyal customers coming from different areas across Jordan. 

She sells a kilo of molasses for JD15, she said.   

Believing in the importance of the area and the season for residents, the Ministry of Public Works and Housing has recently renovated the road linking Kufrsoum to Ain Saeed through a grant from the German government. 

Every year, the agriculture department in Irbid organises the pomegranate festival in the northern city in October.