Drop in exports, rise in production to blame for crop price fall — Agriculture Ministry

AMMAN — Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Lawrence Majali on Tuesday attributed the fall in crop prices to an increase in agricultural production over the last period, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, Majali noted that favourable weather conditions lead to “a flow” in production, adding that the ministry is following up with farmers’ reactions to the drop in prices.

Seven governorates including Amman, Mafraq, Irbid, Maan, Karak, Balqa and Aqaba are currently witnessing a rise in production rates, he said.

The official said that the rise in production coincided with a drop in exports, currently amounting to 400-500 tonnes compared with 1,500 tonnes during peak seasons, and causing a major fall in prices.

The ministry is planning on supporting the sector by reducing expenses related to securing basic materials, producing goods and conducting tests, the spokesperson added, underlining that a range of measures will be adopted to aid farmers directly.

The government is also exerting efforts in seeking new markets to export agricultural produce, Petra reported.

The tripartite agreement between Jordan, Egypt and Iraq as well as ministerial agreements, the foremost of which is the agreement signed with the Labour Ministry, will also contribute to ameliorating the situation.

Meanwhile, Head of the Jordan Valley Farmers Union Adnan Khadam has announced that the union will halt fruit and vegetable supplies to central markets on Wednesday due to the “collapse” in prices.

Khadam added that the sector is suffering from the accumulation of losses throughout the years, underlining that production costs borne by farmers amount to 6-10 times the selling price.