PM says gov’t ready to resolve issues facing agricultural sector

AMMAN — Prime Minister Hani Mulki on Tuesday met with Jordanian Farmers Union President Odeh Rawashdeh, its members and representatives of the agriculture sector, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

During the meeting, attended by Labour Minister Ali Ghezawi, Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat and Transport Minister Hussein Al Souob, the premier listened to the challenges facing the agricultural sector, especially marketing products in light of neighbouring markets’ closures due to regional conditions. 

The challenges also include compensating farmers for the damage to crops because of frost. 

The attendees demanded a solution for the lack of refrigerator trucks designated to transport fruit and vegetables ready for exporting. 

They also called for revisiting electricity tariffs for the agricultural sector, in addition to organising the recruitment of guest workers in the sector.  

The representatives also demanded supporting livestock breeders with necessary cattle feed, medicine and vaccines, noting that delay in rainfall has caused an increase in fodder prices. 

They called for facilitating the export of agricultural products through the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA). 

Mulki said he visited the airport three times to check on facilitated measures and said it is important to provide specialised cranes for the process of shipping agricultural exports in enough quantities. 

The premier stressed that the government is going to support the sector to overcome the various challenges it is facing.

He instructed the agriculture and industry and trade ministries to organise the process of importing livestock, provided that the process does not lead to manipulation in prices.

As for electricity prices, Mulki said this sector receives the most support in this regard, agreeing with the representatives’ proposal to establish a company to promote agricultural products.

Turning to guest workers, the premier said there are more than enough work permits issued but the main problem is that some agricultural guest workers work illegally in other sectors instead, noting that the government will nonetheless allow the recruitment of guest workers to replace those who travel.