Farmers urged to grow 'more lucrative' leafy greens instead of conventional produce

AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture on Wednesday urged farmers to focus on growing leaf and root crops, whose exports generate more than triple the profit generated from exporting vegetables.

During the past month, the Kingdom exported 357 tonnes of leaf vegetables to 12 countries, generating profits worth JD500,000, according to the ministry's spokesperson, Nimer Haddadin, noting that 1,300 tonnes of conventional vegetables have to be exported to generate the same revenue.

"The ministry is encouraging more farmers to switch from growing conventional vegetables to leaf greens, which are high-value crops and are on very high-demand at international markets, particularly in Europe," Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

Exporting one tonne of conventional vegetables generates $350-$500, whereas exporting one tonne of leaf greens generates $1,500-$2,000, according to the ministry's figures.

"Jordan is one of the major exporters of leaf vegetables and medicinal herbs in the Arab region," Haddadin said.

The Kingdom exports its leaf crops and medicinal herbs to Denmark, Sweden, Germany, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Lebanon, according to the ministry.

"Not only does shifting to unconventional cultivations, such as leafy vegetables, generate higher income, but it also reduces marketing congestion at the local market and opens new portals for farmers and exporters," Haddadin said.

Jordan's main exports of leaf vegetables and medicinal herbs include chamomile, broccoli, green onion, parsley, watercress, garlic, red carrot, mallow, basil, thyme, spinach, fennel, lemongrass, gundelia, coriander, grape leaves, corchorus, mint and sage, according to the ministry.