Amman, March 30 (Petra) -- Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah and Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat held an expanded meeting with poultry breeders to discuss key challenges facing the sector amid the repercussions of regional unrest and to ensure the availability of stock and the continuity of supply chains for production inputs, particularly feed such as corn.

Qudah said supply chains are continuing normally, noting that incoming ship traffic through ports, as well as land crossings, is operating regularly, especially via Aqaba Port. He stressed that the government will take all necessary measures to facilitate production and ensure the sustainability of supply chains.

He added that the ministry will not hesitate to intervene in the event of any unjustified price increases by imposing carefully considered price ceilings to protect the market and consumers, noting that current corn supplies are reassuring, in addition to contracted quantities, most of which are expected to arrive early next month.

For his part, Khraisat said the ministry is working to strengthen contingency plans to ensure the sector’s readiness to face any regional developments through continuous coordination with relevant entities and the private sector, and by intensifying oversight of markets and production inputs.

He emphasized the importance of supporting small farmers and poultry breeders through financing programs and technical resources, helping to keep domestic production stable and improve food security. He also stated that the ministry will do everything possible to take the necessary actions to ensure the sustainability of this crucial sector.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening strategic reserves of production inputs, particularly feed, alongside supporting domestic production, to ensure price stability and meet market needs under various conditions.

President of the Jordanian Poultry Producers Association, Fares Hammoudeh, said that available quantities of poultry meat in the market, both fresh and frozen, are reassuring and sufficient for good periods.

He noted that fresh meat production stands at about 28,000 tonnes per month, while frozen quantities are estimated at around 5,000 tonnes, calling for additional measures to ensure supply continuity and curb price increases.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Lower House Agriculture Committee Ahmad Shdaifat called for supporting farmers to face current challenges and prevent increases in poultry and egg prices in the local market, urging the facilitation of access to production inputs in the coming period and strict action against those exploiting conditions to raise prices unjustifiably, in accordance with market regulations and laws.

Farmers and poultry breeders called for a package of measures to facilitate import operations, maintain the smooth flow of supply chains, and reduce production costs in a way that limits their direct impact on prices in the local market.

The meeting was attended by members of the Lower House Agriculture Committee, along with a number of farmers, poultry breeders, importers, and representatives of production input warehouses.

//Petra// AF