PM meets agricultural sector representatives

AMMAN — Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Saturday met with presidents of agricultural unions and discussed the sector’s demands, and ways to support its economic and social roles.

Jordan Agricultural Engineers Association (JAEA) President Mahmoud Abu Ghneimah praised the government’s decision to exclude the agricultural sector from any raise on electricity prices this year.

He also said the government’s decision to raise the Agricultural Credit Corporation’s budget by JD10 million has had a positive effect by supporting farmers to rely on modern technology.

Abu Ghneimah stressed the importance of intensifying protection of forests and ending violations on green areas, in addition to expanding support for the National Centre for Agricultural Research and Extension, and other agricultural institutions.

Abdul Shakour Jamjoum, president of the Jordanian Poultry Producers Union, praised the government’s measures in applying Jordanian standards on imported frozen poultry, which contributed to supporting local products and increasing their competitiveness.

Jamjoum also commended the decision to reduce the volume of imported frozen poultry from 69,000 tonnes last year to 32,000 tonnes this year, especially since Jordan enjoys self-sufficiency in poultry.

Zuhair Jweihan, president of the Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruit and Vegetables (JEPA), called for allowing guest workers to join the agricultural workforce in light of the current shortage in the sector.

He also called for applying more procedures to guarantee Jordanian exports reach European markets, due to the unavailability of land routes to Europe as a result of the situation in Syria.

Mazen Hamarneh, a JEPA member, stressed the importance of utilising air freight to export fruits and vegetables under the current regional circumstances, noting that Jordanian trucks transiting through Saudi Arabia face procedural obstacles at border crossings.

Hamarneh commended the government’s efforts in opening new markets for agricultural products and ensuring the continuity of exports to the Iraqi market, which increased by 20 per cent.

At the end of the meeting, Ensour said the government keen on supporting the agricultural sector, noting that the issues raised at Saturday’s meeting will be discussed when the Higher Agricultural Council meets next.