Amman: The Jordanian government is moving towards achieving self-sufficiency in lemon production, with a halt on imports to enhance local agricultural output, announced Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat. According to Jordan News Agency, Minister Hneifat detailed the strategy during a meeting with the Jordan Valley Citrus Agricultural Cooperative Association and local citrus growers. The goal is to develop the entire value chain of lemon production, including improvements in post-harvest processes such as cooling, waxing, and storage. These enhancements are critical for bridging the supply gap from May to mid-August, traditionally a period of low local production. Hneifat pointed out the potential for exporting high-quality Jordanian citrus fruits, noting their superior quality and taste. However, he acknowledged that achieving export potential is hindered by current inadequacies in meeting specific market requirements such as sorting and cooling processes. Further elaborating on the government's measures to support local farmers, Hneifat mentioned that the ministry ceased issuing import licenses for lemons at the end of July and barred the entry of any lemon consignments post-August 20. He attributed the recent decline in lemon prices to an increase in local production, particularly from expanded cultivation in the northern Jordan Valley, and a decrease in consumer purchasing power affecting overall consumption rates. The minister highlighted recent market dynamics, noting that approximately 150 tons of lemons are supplied daily to local markets. In contrast, the import of African lemons to the central market during October was significantly lower, not exceeding 12 tons per day. Last week, local lemon supplies to central markets in major cities such as Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa surged to nearly 350 tons. This initiative aligns with Jordan's broader agricultural policy to enhance food security and support economic sustainability through increased reliance on domestic produce.