Exemption on agricultural commodity fees draws positive reactions from farmers

AMMAN — The Cabinet decision to extend the exemption on agricultural commodity fees by 75 per cent has drawn positive reactions from farmers.

The Cabinet’s decision grants fees exemption by 75 per cent for agricultural and horticultural commodities intended for export, provided that the amount owed is paid by close of business on December 31, 2022.

Nawash Al Yazjeen, a farmer from the Jordan Valley said that farmers need support. 

“The decision is a step in the right direction, but we need to make sure that this health crisis does not become a food crisis through strengthening the national agricultural sector’s resilience,” Yazjeen told The Jordan Times.

He added that farm businesses have been negatively impacted like other businesses, pointing out that the sector is in need of adaptive policies and strategies that would help mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the agricultural sector.

Khalil Abdullah, a farmer based in the Jordan Valley, said that farmers are still battling low vegetable prices and facing various challenges due to debts.

“The sector is in need of all support so I believe a governmental decision like this would positively reflect upon all farmers,” he told The Jordan Times.

“I hope that this year would be a good start for farmers,” he added.