Drop in vegetable prices expected in coming weeks

AMMAN – Prices of agricultural produce are expected to drop "drastically" in the coming weeks amid fears of "price manipulation" by retailers, according to sector insiders.

After surviving heatwaves in summer and a frost spell last month, which had resulted in an "unreasonable" surge in prices, local production of vegetables and fruit is poised to increase, especially since the Jordan Valley, the Kingdom's main agricultural region, has started to introduce its crops into the market.

"All world markets are waiting for Jordan Valley produce. The area's supply to the local market is high, which would also suggest a good export movement," Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin said.

Although the main regional markets are closed to local agricultural produce, particularly Iraq and Syria, Jordan is eyeing other destinations.

"The Gulf states and European countries are waiting for Jordan Valley produce. Our tomatoes, for example, are sold in the Russian market for $10 per kilogramme," Haddadin added.

The "warm" weather conditions the Kingdom has been experiencing recently have made up for losses incurred by the sector.

"The prices of basic vegetables have started to go down after rising to unprecedented levels. The price of one kilo of tomatoes had reached JD1, but now it is between JD0.25 and JD0.35," said Abdul Majeed Odwan, executive director of markets at the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM).

He attributed the hike in prices to the frost and delay in Jordan Valley production.

However, Odwan warned against price manipulation by retail traders, noting that there is a "gap" between wholesale and retail prices.

"This requires an intervention from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Supply," he told The Jordan Times.

According to GAM, the prices of tomatoes now stand at around JD0.35 per kilo, cauliflower at JD0.50 per kilo and aubergines at JD0.40 per kilo.

Jordanian Farmers Union Director General Mahmoud Ouran agreed, saying that some retailers make use of the winter season to "play with prices".

"The government should monitor the prices," he said.

On the other hand, Jordan Valley Farmers Union President Adnan Khaddam complained about the "disregard" for farmers and the losses they incur due to weather conditions.

"This should be the time for a nationwide conference that addresses farmers' issues. We need the country's support for this vital sector," Khaddam said, adding that the closure of the Iraq and Syria markets has deepened the losses of local farmers.