Postponement of agricultural loan repayments brings sigh of relief to farmers — union

AMMAN — The delay in agricultural loan repayments is a “positive step forward at a time when sector operators need it the most”, according to the Jordan Valley Farmers Union President Adnan Khaddam.

Agriculture Minister Khalid Hneifat on Sunday announced the postponement of April payments for agricultural loans, which will coincide this year with the holy month of Ramadan.

The minister added that despite the Agricultural Credit Corporation’s need for payment, the decision will support the role of farmers.

“This will alleviate financial burdens on sector operators, and we hope that the budget in upcoming years will increase in order to stimulate agricultural lending in Jordan,” Khaddam told The Jordan Times on Sunday.

“The delay in the repayments is much needed as farmers and other sector operators have mounting losses,” Khaddam said. He noted that the situation is already hard and that “all people before the holy month of Ramadan and Eid need certain facilities and privileges”.

Khaddam added that the recent cold weather and frost have caused extensive damage to crops, particularly vegetables.

“There will be a decrease in our produce and the losses are significant, so we are grateful that there are positive efforts being made to support the agricultural sector,” he said.

Farmer Nawash Al Yazjeen told The Jordan Times that “farmers have outstanding debts and they are already facing various challenges at once”. 

“Postponing the payments for even a longer period would help them more,” he added.