Latest news with #Jafari
Indian Express
05-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Paddy to petals: Sangrur farmer finds prosperity in marigold, has eyes set on roses
In Punjab's Pedni Kalan village in Dhuri tehsil of Sangrur district, 41-year-old Sukhdeep Singh has carved out a vibrant niche, not with MSP-backed wheat or paddy, but with marigolds. Over the past decade, he has transformed his eight-acre farm into a floriculture hub, dedicating four acres to marigold cultivation across multiple seasons and varieties, while the remaining four acres are used for wheat and paddy during the rabi and kharif seasons, respectively. With plans to diversify into rose cultivation, Sukhdeep represents a quiet yet determined shift in Punjab's farming narrative. Sukhdeep, who holds a 10+2 qualification and an ITI diploma, began experimenting with flower cultivation on just half a bigha (2.5 kanals) in 2012, inspired by relatives already involved in the flower trade. With little experience and limited market knowledge, he initially struggled, unable even to sell his first batch of flowers. However, the encouraging yield motivated him to learn more about both cultivation techniques and market dynamics. 'We started with a small area, and after gaining market knowledge, we received a good response. Our relatives not only inspired us but also helped us with cultivation and in finding markets for our flowers,' he said. 'Now, we cultivate various varieties of marigolds in different shades of yellow, from light yellow to saffron and mustard, throughout the year with proper planning and crop rotation.' Sukhdeep grows seven-eight varieties of marigolds, both summer and winter types such as Jafari (African marigold), sown in winter, and Laddu Gainda, known for its large, round blooms grown in summer. He employs seed sowing, grafting and nursery techniques at different times of the year. For instance, during January and February, he sows seeds that flower in March and April. In March, he uses grafting techniques, resulting in blooms from May to June, which continue until August. From August to December, he plants nursery-grown saplings. In favourable weather, a single marigold plant can bloom eight to ten times. His marigold calendar is finely tuned: summer varieties — around four types — are sown between January and April and begin flowering within 2 to 2.5 months of sowing, producing blooms continuously for nearly three months. Jafari varieties are primarily cultivated for the winter season. Four different types are grown between August and February. One early variety is sown in August and starts flowering from October, aligning with festive season demand during Dussehra, Diwali, and Guru Purab (birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the first Sikh Master and founder of Sikhism). A second variety, sown in October-November, is ideal for Lohri and the New Year. The third and fourth varieties, sown in November–December, bloom from January to April, catering to wedding season demand. 'Though the marigold cycle can span nearly five and a half months, I usually restrict each cycle to around four to four and a half months. This is because the yield drops towards the end of the season, so I uproot the crop early and replant new varieties. This allows me to grow flowers at least three times on the same field in a year, using different varieties in different plots based on market demand,' Sukhdeep said. 'I also use one acre out of the four for growing a flower nursery between July and March. The nursery is ready in just 25 days, and I raise it 7-8 times during this period to sell saplings. From January to March, I grow nursery plants for summer marigolds two to three times, and then the same field is used again for flower cultivation from April to August. So, growing flowers is a year-round task,' he added. 'For some varieties, we procure seeds from Kolkata,' he added. He says he rotates the fields for flower sowing and does not use the same plots repeatedly. Sukhdeep sells his marigolds daily to local traders and decoration shops in Sangrur, Barnala and Ludhiana, sending the flowers on buses. Despite fluctuating prices — ranging from Rs 70 – Rs 80 to Rs 200 per kg — he manages to maintain a steady profit. 'There are a few off-season phases during the year when rates can drop to Rs 5–Rs 10 per kg, but regular sowing, high prices during festivals, and yields of 60-65 quintals per acre help ensure consistent returns,' he said, adding that on average, he earns Rs40–Rs50 per kg over the year. The total expenditure per acre is around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 if the nursery is self-raised. However, if seeds are purchased from outside, the cost rises to Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per acre. Labour adds another Rs 10,000 per acre, making the overall cost roughly Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000 per acre. Sukhdeep, along with his father and other family members, is fully involved in the day-to-day operations and providing permanent employment to three women of his village. 'On average, we earn Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per acre after expenses. If cultivated three times a year, the annual income from one acre is around Rs 4.5 lakh to Rs 6 lakh,' he said. 'Our income from nursery sales alone is about Rs 60,000-Rs70,000 per cycle after expenses, and with multiple sowings throughout the year, I can easily earn Rs 3.5 lakh to Rs 4.00 lakh annually from just one acre.' He pointed out that the income from one acre of marigold cultivation is four to five times higher than the combined returns from wheat and paddy. Sukhdeep sells nursery plants through 'Nirman Flowers', a well-known name in Punjab's floriculture sector. Floriculture also proves to be far more water-efficient compared to traditional crops. 'The water required for one acre of paddy is equivalent to what we need for 10 acres of marigold,' Sukhdeep points out. This makes flower farming a sustainable option amid growing concerns over groundwater depletion in Punjab. Sukhdeep credits the state's horticulture department for supporting his venture. 'We received a 40 per cent subsidy on machinery like a rotavator and spray pump. Such schemes are encouraging,' he says. With a firm grip on marigold cultivation and nursery management, Sukhdeep is now preparing to expand into rose farming. 'I've learnt the sowing techniques for roses and will soon diversify. The market is strong, and demand continues to grow,' he adds.
Saba Yemen
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Iranian police arrest 35 spies linked to zionist entity in Hamadan & Masjed Soleyman
Tehran – Saba: Iranian police have arrested 35 individuals linked to the Zionist entity in the provinces of Hamadan and Khuzestan. Colonel Jafari, head of the security police in Iran's Hamadan province, stated that police detained 30 people last week on suspicion of ties to Mossad and supporting the Zionist entity, according to Iran's Tasnim News Agency. Jafari explained that 14 of the detainees were spreading alarming messages on social media, noting that some suspects were seen suspiciously near military facilities, while others were accused of deliberately setting fires. The security official added that Hamadan's intelligence and operational teams, in coordination with other security agencies, monitored all locations potentially harboring terrorist elements. He emphasized that the vigilance of security forces and contributions from citizens thwarted any Mossad-linked activities in the province. Meanwhile, the police commander of Khuzestan province announced the arrest of five individuals accused of spying for the Zionist entity in the city of Masjed Soleyman. Tasnim News Agency quoted the police commander as saying that security forces in Khuzestan identified and detained a spy, along with a media and digital operative working for the Zionist entity, as part of security monitoring efforts in both physical and virtual spaces. The detainee was reportedly connected to Zionist intelligence agencies, having received funds for activities aimed at spreading fear among the public, filming sensitive locations, inciting youth to riot, and providing media support for Zionist missile attacks on Iranian infrastructure. Additionally, security forces identified and arrested four other supporters of the Zionist entity who were promoting the enemy's crimes against Iran on digital platforms. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Divorce lawyer reveals the four common mistakes couples make
Till death — or divorce — do us part. Although divorce rates are dropping across America, couples are still splitting up every day — sometimes for avoidable reasons. That's why divorce lawyer Padideh Jafari, founder and CEO of Jafari Law & Mediation Office, revealed the four common mistakes couples make to Business Insider. She shared the top reasons why she's seen couples split and her advice to overcome those obstacles. 'Marriage can be a beautiful thing, but it requires work and intention in addition to love,' Jafari said. One of the main reasons why couples separate is that they lose focus on their relationship and put other things — typically their work or kids — ahead of their marriage. 'You absolutely cannot prioritize your career over your marriage,' the expert said, noting that kids also should not come in the way of your relationship. 'Of course, you love your children and need to look after their physical and emotional needs, but don't forget your spouse.' A special date night or holiday getaway with your partner can be a great way to forget your responsibilities and dedicate time to your loved one. Instagram posts, Facebook albums and TikTok videos keep us connected — but sometimes seeing the highlights of someone's life and being one click away isn't great for our relationships. 'From reconnecting with old flames to secret messages, social media is fueling modern divorces,' Jafari said. The expert claimed that even taking a peek at a former flame's social media account is crossing a line. 'Social media makes us think that the grass may be greener somewhere else,' she said. 'But as a married person, you should be thinking about your own home — watering and fertilizing your own lawn to make it beautiful alongside your spouse.' As the saying goes, communication is key — but it's more than that really. Couples need to not only communicate but also comprehend what their partner is saying. The skilled communicator explained that sometimes this can go awry as innocently as when you finish your partner's sentences, but warned, 'It can lead to frustration and resentment.' That's why she advises people to 'try to pause and be present in conversations' and not make assumptions — you know what they say. She also added that asking follow-up questions can help you better understand each other. Despite what the Beatles would have you believe — love is not all you need. Take time to truly understand each other's values, goals, and ways of handling stress or conflict. Being in love can feel like enough, but long-term compatibility takes patience, communication, and shared growth. That's why Jafari advises against rushing into a marriage. 'If you're going to be together forever, there's no reason to get married quickly. Instead, take time to see your spouse in different seasons of life, literally and figuratively,' Jafari insisted. Spend time building a strong emotional foundation, talk about finances, children, and life plans. The more you know each other, the stronger your bond can become.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
FCC grads grateful for support systems, proud of their achievements
Ines Agopome said she is proof that with persistence, faith and the right support systems, people can break through barriers and generational curses they didn't think they could ever overcome. Agopome was one of two student speakers at Frederick Community College's commencement ceremony Thursday evening at Knott Arena in Emmitsburg. She received an associate degree in social sciences with a concentration in psychology. She plans to continue pursuing a bachelor's degree in counseling psychology at the University of Baltimore with a full scholarship. Agopome's parents are immigrants from Togo, a country in Africa. As she faced the crowd of hundreds at the arena, she told everyone important lessons she and her sister learned from her parents. One was that hard work and perseverance are not just tools, but survival skills. Another lesson was that no matter where people come from, the knowledge they carry can't be taken away from them. Before coming to FCC, Agopome was a student at Montgomery College. In 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, Agopome gave birth to her daughter. She realized that to give her daughter everything she wanted, Agopome needed to reflect and look at what she personally wanted, too. She realized she was pursuing the wrong major and was not at the best school for her, so with the help of her family and friends, she found FCC. Agopome said her daughter is the main reason she could complete her associate degree and continues to have purpose in her actions and life. She thanked her own family and support systems during her speech, tearing up at the mention of her daughter. She told the arena to raise their imaginary glasses, cellphones or whatever else they preferred to cheer the class of 2025. "The world is already yours, you're capable of so much more than you know, and the knowledge you've gained here will never be taken away," Agopome said. FCC's class of 2025 has 915 graduating students, and about a quarter of the class consists of first-generation college graduates. The vast majority of the class — 90% — received associate degrees, while the rest of the graduates received certificates of accomplishment. As the graduates processed into the arena wearing their green robes, audience members cheered loudly and waved excitedly down at the graduates they came to support. Giulietta Jafari was the other student speaker for the ceremony, alongside Agopome. She also made it a point to thank her parents for the sacrifices they made, so Jafari could pursue her education. Jafari received associate degrees in English and paralegal studies. She will attend the University of Maryland in the fall to study philosophy and linguistics, according to a Facebook post from FCC announcing the 2025 commencement student speakers. Jafari said her father is Persian and fled to Iran to escape religious persecution. Her mother was 16 years old and alone, and had little money to support herself. While her parents' biggest concerns were survival, Jafari said, her biggest concerns were unplugging the family's Wii gaming console fast enough before her sister could beat her in the video game Mario Kart. Jafari said her dad would tell her to never give up and never surrender whenever she faced an obstacle. She keeps that sentiment in mind to this day. "I'll always be grateful for [my parents], for the opportunity and sacrifices that they made, so that I could graduate on this day with all of you today, so that I could attend university without denying who I am, so that I could grow into the best version of myself and seize every opportunity that comes my way," she said. FCC President Annesa Payne Cheek spoke about the diverse range of backgrounds in the graduating class. She said the class ages ranged from 18 to 68. Some people might have gone to FCC right after graduating high school, while others might have returned to school after years away. Cheek told the class to also remember the people who believed in them when the students didn't believe in themselves. She gave the graduates some words she said she would've needed to hear when she was graduating from college herself: "I belong," "I earned this" and "I'm ready." Jacques Mbengang said he feels accomplished now that he's graduated. He received an associate degree in STEM technology with a concentration in cybersecurity, as well as certificates of accomplishment in computer studies and information security and assurance. Mbengang began attending FCC right after he graduated from high school. He got his first job in information technology at Meritus Medical Center last month and will continue working there after graduation. He said his professors were hands-on and "really took care" of him in and out of the classroom. His father died while he attended FCC, and the college's staff helped him get through that hard period to get his degree. "In my culture, education is really important, and I believe that knowledge is very important," he said. "Being able to acquire it and finish it to the end, even when I could've gave up multiple times, the fact that I was able to keep moving was something that I really take pride in."
New York Post
03-05-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Divorce lawyer reveals the four common mistakes couples make
Till death — or divorce — do us part. Although divorce rates are dropping across America, couples are still splitting up every day — sometimes for avoidable reasons. 5 One of the main reasons why couples separate is that they lose focus on their relationship and put other things — typically their work or kids — ahead of their marriage. Diego Cervo – That's why divorce lawyer Padideh Jafari, founder and CEO of Jafari Law & Mediation Office, revealed the four common mistakes couples make to Business Insider. She shared the top reasons why she's seen couples split and her advice to overcome those obstacles. 'Marriage can be a beautiful thing, but it requires work and intention in addition to love,' Jafari said. Prioritizing your work or kids over your marriage One of the main reasons why couples separate is that they lose focus on their relationship and put other things — typically their work or kids — ahead of their marriage. 'You absolutely cannot prioritize your career over your marriage,' the expert said, noting that kids also should not come in the way of your relationship. 5 Kids should not get in the way of your relationship, Jafari said. Drazen – 'Of course, you love your children and need to look after their physical and emotional needs, but don't forget your spouse.' A special date night or holiday getaway with your partner can be a great way to forget your responsibilities and dedicate time to your loved one. Falling into the temptation of social media Instagram posts, Facebook albums and TikTok videos keep us connected — but sometimes seeing the highlights of someone's life and being one click away isn't great for our relationships. 'From reconnecting with old flames to secret messages, social media is fueling modern divorces,' Jafari said. 5 'From reconnecting with old flames to secret messages, social media is fueling modern divorces,' Jafari said. bongkarn – The expert claimed that even taking a peek at a former flame's social media account is crossing a line. 'Social media makes us think that the grass may be greener somewhere else,' she said. 'But as a married person, you should be thinking about your own home — watering and fertilizing your own lawn to make it beautiful alongside your spouse.' Communicating but not comprehending As the saying goes, communication is key — but it's more than that really. Couples need to not only communicate but also comprehend what their partner is saying. 5 Couples need to not only communicate but also comprehend what their partner is saying. Damir Khabirov – The skilled communicator explained that sometimes this can go awry as innocently as when you finish your partner's sentences, but warned, 'It can lead to frustration and resentment.' That's why she advises people to 'try to pause and be present in conversations' and not make assumptions — you know what they say. She also added that asking follow-up questions can help you better understand each other. Rushing into romance Despite what the Beatles would have you believe — love is not all you need. Take time to truly understand each other's values, goals, and ways of handling stress or conflict. Being in love can feel like enough, but long-term compatibility takes patience, communication, and shared growth. 5 Jafari suggests couples take time to truly understand each other's values, goals, and ways of handling stress or conflict before getting married. AntonioDiaz – That's why Jafari advises against rushing into a marriage. 'If you're going to be together forever, there's no reason to get married quickly. Instead, take time to see your spouse in different seasons of life, literally and figuratively,' Jafari insisted. Spend time building a strong emotional foundation, talk about finances, children, and life plans. The more you know each other, the stronger your bond can become.
