Ammon News - Jordan Times - Low production is the only reason behind the “natural” hike in vegetable prices, Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Nimer Haddadin said on Monday.

Commenting on the sharp increases in the price of some vegetables, especially tomatoes, potatoes, onions and aubergines, Haddadin said “it is all due to low production and no other reason”.

Describing the problem as “seasonal and temporary”, the official explained that due to the cultivation period between the first and second vegetable seasons, the local market has been witnessing considerable hikes in prices.

“It is the short interval between the growing season for vegetables and the harvest season that causes prices to go up,” he said, adding that “it is the natural ‘on-off’ sequence”.

Haddadin noted that, in almost two weeks time, prices are expected to decrease and stabilise as farmers begin to harvest their crops.

“Production in the Southern Jordan Valley has already begun,” he told The Jordan Times in a phone interview.

“Very shortly, when production begins, citizens will see a considerable decrease in vegetable prices,” he said.

Haddadin also affirmed that the hikes in vegetable prices were not the result of exports, as “production is already low and cannot cover exports”.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Hatem Halawani on Sunday capped the prices of four vegetables, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The price limits on tomatoes, potatoes, onions and aubergines were set at 71 piasters, 55 piasters, 48 piasters and 65 piasters per kilogramme respectively.

The decision, effective from Monday, was taken in light of a recent increase in their prices, Petra said.