March 23, 2020

Jordan announces plan to ensure supply of agriculture goods

The strategic plan by the Ministry of Agriculture aims to secure plant-based and animal-based foods in response to the COVID-19 outbreak and possible agriculture industry movement restrictions, reported The Jordan Times.

Ayman Salti, ministry director of marketing and foreign trade said there is enough supply to cover between three months to up to eight months for certain industries.

Jordan estimates demand between 24,000 to 26,000 tonnes for poultry, with 25,000 tonnes produced domestically. The country's poultry industry has stored up to 9,000 tonnes as emergencies, which does not include imported, cut and deboned poultry.

As for lamb, Jordan requires about 3,000 tonnes monthly, with 80% domestically produced. Live sheep have been imported from Australia, Hungary and Romania, along with chilled and frozen meat.

Jordan raises 20,000 cattle and imports live cattle in supplementary numbers to meet local demand. 480,000 tonnes of fresh milk is produced locally, used for labneh and white cheese production.

Salti said commodities are adequate, as the country imports 350,000 of soybean and 720,000 tonnes of barley to meet demands. 

As for chemical fertiliser and veterinary medicines, Salti said local producers are able to meet the country's demands.

Ibrahim Shahadeh, Minister of Agriculture oversaw permit distribution based on livestock sector priorities. These include poultry, eggs (table and hatchery) and livestock breeders.

-      The Jordan Times