‘2,500 tonnes of vegetables exported to Syria in three days’

AMMAN — Jordan exported around 2,500 tonnes of vegetables to Syria in three days, 400 tonnes of which were on Sunday alone, according to the Agriculture Ministry.

The Jordan News Agency, Petra, quoted the ministry’s spokesperson, Nimer Haddadin, as saying that exports to Syria are flowing normally with no decrease in quantity or disruptions in truck movement.

Haddadin said demand on Jordanian agricultural products is increasing in the Syrian market, adding that the border crossing is operating normally.

Locally, the prices of fruits and vegetables in the central markets are stable, especially at the Amman central market, he noted, as more products are becoming available due to the increase of cultivated lands.

However, Jordan Exporters and Producers Association for Fruits and Vegetables President Saadi Abu Hammad said earlier this month that prices of several vegetables available at the central market were below production cost, especially potatoes and tomatoes, which has negatively affected farmers.

Highlighting efforts to “alleviate the burden” on Jordanian farmers when promoting their products, Haddadin said the government is collaborating with the Iraqi government to ensure the smooth flow and entry of Jordanian trucks into the neighbouring country, Petra reported.

Jordan’s exports of agricultural products last year stood at around 900,000 tonnes despite the situation in the region, especially in Syria and Iraq.