Gov’t helping agriculture sector every way possible — PM

AMMAN — Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Thursday told a House panel and stakeholders that the government would study the impact of possible exempting inputs for the agricultural sector from the price hikes that have gone into effect recently. 

He told leaders of the sector and members of the Agriculture and Water Committee at a meeting that any decision in this regard should take into consideration that public finances remain sound, reiterating that salvaging the economy is a shared responsibility, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported, quoting the head of the panel, MP Khalid Hiyari.  

The meeting came after a series of protests staged by farmers led by unionists, who threated escalatory measures if the government does not reverse the hikes.

Hiyari quoted Mulki as saying that as the government had promised, non-processed agricultural items, including live animals, are still subsidised while there is zero sales tax on exports.

Mulki stressed that agriculture is an important sector and that the government is doing its best to open markets for agricultural products.

He noted the re-opening of the vital Turaibil border crossing with Iraq that would allow Jordanian trucks to be able to enter Iraq, a major exports destination, as of next week.

He also pointed to the measures taken by the government to help the agricultural sector reduce costs, market products and secure easy financing. 

The prime minister called on the agricultural sector to consider new agricultural methods and alternatives to barley through the farming of clover and corn to be fed to cattle.