Khaberni - The president of the Jordanian Citrus Cooperative Abdel Rahman Al-Ghazawi said that many areas in the Jordan Valley, especially the border Zourieh, were exposed to a severe frost wave.
He confirmed that he conducted a field tour of some affected farms, where negative effects began to appear on trees and vegetables since the morning of Monday, indicating damage to new growths and floral clusters in citrus trees and seedlings, along with yellowing of trees, which threatens to decrease productivity in the upcoming season.
He explained that tropical varieties like papaya were severely damaged, in addition to citrus and some vegetable varieties and even Mallow.
Al-Ghazawi pointed out that farmers will face significant losses requiring additional quantities of fertilizers and re-pruning of trees, with the possibility of weak or nonexistent yields next season. He urged farmers to inspect their farms immediately and submit requests to the Department of Agriculture to inspect the damages in preparation for compensation,
He also demanded that the Jordan Valley Authority urgently irrigate the affected areas to help the plants recover, amid continued cold weather at night.
He emphasized the need to form inspection committees from the Departments of Agriculture and the Risk Fund to compensate farmers with rewarding amounts.
