Ammon News - Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat on Monday gave the green light for the import of live sheep "from all available sources where the health situation permits" without a cap on quantity, after the prices of meat and fruit soared recently.

The ministry said in a press release that it excluded livestock similar to that in the local market, and also allowed the import of garlic, orange and other fruits whose prices shot up recently.

Hneifat said the ministry is closely monitoring quantities and prices in the markets as well the projected production "to keep the balance in the agricultural equation in a way to serve the farmer, consumer and merchant, and ensure the consumer can buy agricultural products at reasonable prices, given the living conditions under the coronavirus pandemic."

The ministry noted that the measure was taken before the holy month of Ramadan to ensure produce and meat prices are in stable supply and at affordable prices.