Farmers cautioned against premature harvest of citrons

AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture cautioned farmers not to pick or sell unripe citrons, a dominant type of fruit in the winter season.

“We want farmers not to rush, especially since we included citrons under the 22 competitively protected types of fruits and vegetables, meaning that we do not import them from anywhere just to ensure that local farmers are not in competition with anyone,” Lawrence Majali, Spokesperson for the Ministry, told The Jordan Times over the phone.

Majali said that the ministry’s inspection offices will be testing the ripeness of the citrons, particularly pummelos and tangerines, as they will be the first to be ready.

In December 2018, farmers protested the “flooding” of Jordanian markets with Syrian citrons, saying it was “unfair competition” because Syrian produce was cheaper.

“Now that farmers do not have to fear that their produce might not be sold, there is no reason for early picking. We were more lenient last year because we knew that farmers wanted to get a good price before the Syrian produce came in,” Majali said.

In a statement, the ministry encouraged farmers to “be patient” because that will “be the best way to ensure the best taste, price, and amount of produce”.