Ministry of Agriculture dimisses “Israeli” claims of cholera presence in Jordanian crops

Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat has dismissed claims made by “Israel” regarding the presence of bacteria in Jordanian water or agricultural products. He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to export agreements with Gulf countries.

Hneifat stated that the Ministry of Agriculture halted exports to “Israel” due to restrictive measures aimed at controlling local market prices and honoring contracts with Gulf states.

In statements to Roya, Hneifat explained, "We experience seasonal shifts from the Shafa area to the desert, which has led to a decrease in local tomato quantities, affecting both local market availability and prices."

Read more: Government addresses claims of Cholera-contaminated water in Jordan

"We suspended the export of tomatoes to Occupation last Monday, and the claims about bacteria are baseless,” Hneifat added.

He assured that "there are no types of bacteria in Jordanian agricultural products, and the ministry continuously conducts tests to protect Jordanian consumers."

Hneifat also highlighted that the ministry has implemented restrictive measures, including halting tomato exports to “Israel” and reducing quantities sent to Gulf markets to curb price increases.

He noted that tests on Yarmouk River water have confirmed it is completely free of any bacteria, further disproving the claims.

Additionally, there is no agriculture along the Yarmouk River this season, reinforcing the falsehood of bacteria claims regarding Jordanian products and water.

Hneifat emphasized that these allegations have a political rather than a technical dimension and are certainly unfounded.

"Many Arab countries import a wide range of products from Jordan, with Saudi Arabia importing 65 percent of Jordanian products,” he concluded.