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| The farmer Jelen Hoxha, the potato of two kilos and 200 grams (montage) |
In the quaint village of Shishtavec, nestled in the Kukës region, farmer Jelen Hoxha recently made an astonishing discovery – a giant potato weighing a whopping 2.21 kilograms. Hoxha, a pensioner who continues to toil the fields with unwavering dedication, expressed his surprise at finding this unusually large potato amidst his crops.
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| The potato of two kilos and 200 grams extracted by the Albanian farmer in Kukës, Jelen Hoxha |
Despite diligently caring for his crops year after year, Hoxha noted that this particular potato was truly exceptional. The seasoned farmer, who tends to his farm with passion, continues to work tirelessly, imparting his agricultural knowledge to the younger generations, including his own children and grandchildren. He revealed that he has nine children, most of whom reside outside the country.
"We harvested it with a machine, and it piqued our curiosity. In our village, we have a local tradition where finding the largest potato earns you a reward of 10,000 lek. Even though I've been cultivating potatoes for generations, this year's discovery left us astonished," shared Hoxha.
Despite the absence of any specific incentive, Hoxha emphasized the organic nature of his produce. He stated, "In work, you'll face challenges, but you'll also find rewards. This year's crop, including the giant potato, is entirely organic." The massive potato has garnered attention not only locally but has even reached as far as America, making Hoxha a renowned figure in the farming community.
Reflecting on his family and their diverse pursuits, Hoxha shared, "I have two daughters married in England, a son in America, a daughter studying psychology in Bulgaria, and a son who will choose a vocational school according to his preference."
As the giant potato from Shishtavec becomes a symbol of the farmer's dedication and the region's agricultural prowess, Jelen Hoxha's story resonates as a testament to the enduring connection between generations and the love for the land.