‘Agriculture exports rise by 14% in first nine months of 2014’

AMMAN — Jordan’s exports of fruit and vegetables during the first nine months of this year increased by 14 per cent compared to the same period last year, government officials said on Wednesday.

The country exported 707,000 tonnes of agricultural produce in the January-September period, compared to 620,000 tonnes during the same period in 2013, a ministry statement quoted Agriculture Minister Akef Zu’bi as saying.

Vegetables constituted 84 per cent of the exported produce, while fruit made up 16 per cent, according to Zu’bi.

Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin said agricultural export revenues increased by 25 per cent this year, compared to the same period last year.

“Fruit and vegetables exported during the first nine months of this year generated JD370 million, while agricultural exports generated JD295 million during the same period last year,” Haddadin noted.

He attributed the rise in revenues to the fact that producers are exporting crops that generate higher value, such as peaches, strawberries, watermelons, melons and leafy vegetables.

“Produce exports are expected to increase to 900,000 tonnes by the end of this year due to a growing demand for Jordanian fruit and vegetables,” Haddadin told The Jordan Times.

He attributed the rising demand for local produce to their high quality and because they undergo several lab tests starting at the farm and ending at the central market.