Ammon News - Ministry of Agriculture, with approach of the holy month of Ramadan, has decided to open imports of red meat for a limited period at a maximum of 50,000 heads of sheep, its Assistant Secretary-General for Animal Wealth, Misbah Tarawneh, said.

In a statement Tuesday, he said the decision aims to relieve pressure on the slaughter of local female sheep and limit the rise in prices of local meat, which ranged between JD12 and JD15 per kilo.

Tarawneh noted imports will be limited to sheep that are delivered under a one- quarantine procedure, in accordance with the approved health onditions to ensure the product safety and meet domestic market's needs during the holy month and the coming period.

The ministry, within the framework of supporting Jordan's livestock breeders, has reopened exports to the Arab Gulf countries, aimed to achieving a price-quantity balance, which would serve consumers and producers' interests, and ensure "appropriate" meat availability, he pointed out.

On its future plans, he said the ministry is continuing coordination efforts to ensure provision of all food products in quantities surpassing the market’s need, at "affordable" prices during the holy month of Ramadan. Petra