Gov’t takes decision to preserve flow of agricultural products to citizens

AMMAN — Farmers will be allowed to sell their produce directly to retailers, who in turn will deliver them all around the Kingdom, Jordan Valley Farmers Union President Adnan Khaddam announced on Wednesday.

Khaddam said that Minister of Agriculture Ibrahim Shahahdeh took the decision to preserve the flow of agricultural products to citizens without having to re-open central markets in light of the current conditions.

The retailers’ transport vehicles will be allowed to enter the Jordan Valley after midnight on Wednesday and leave before 6pm on Thursday, in coordination between the ministry and the authorities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, cited Khaddam as saying.

The union president said that freezers designated for export will also be allowed or enter the valley but will have to directly head to the shipping point after leaving the area.

He urged all the concerned entities to heed public health and safety measures by using protection, such as face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers.

The decision came after the government on Tuesday decided to allow small shops and markets to resume work from 10am until 6pm as of Wednesday and until further notice.

Prime Minister Omar Razzaz on Tuesday reiterated that the decision includes small neighbourhood grocery stores, markets, pharmacies and drinking water shops, which can open after ensuring their preparedness and the availability of commodities.