‘Sheep exports to Gulf Arab countries on the rise’

AMMAN — The beginning of 2016 has seen a great increase in Jordan's exports of local sheep, an official said on Wednesday, with over 73,000 heads of sheep being imported by the Gulf. 

Agriculture Ministry spokesperson, Nimer Haddadin, said demand for local sheep is increasing from Gulf Arab countries, with Saudi Arabia as the top importer of live sheep from the Kingdom.

"Since the start of this year, we have exported more than 73,580 heads of local sheep to Gulf countries, generating over JD22 million. Saudi Arabia imported 80 per cent," Haddadin told The Jordan Times in a phone interview.

Noting that the number of exported sheep is expected to increase further this year, he highlighted that the country usually exports 600,000 heads of local sheep every year.

"There are more than 4 million heads of local sheep in the country. Livestock breeders who export their sheep to the Gulf generate double the price of sheep sold in the local market," Haddadin added.

He said that the government supports the livestock sector in Jordan by offering subsidised fodder as well as veterinary services and counselling.

"The ministry is also working around-the-clock to explore new markets for livestock breeders to sustain the sector," he stressed.