Amman, April 13 (Petra) -- The agricultural sector recorded a 6.9% growth rate in 2024, up from 5.8% in 2023, according to Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat.

The value of agricultural exports also rose significantly to JD 426 million, marking a 39% increase, including a 14% rise in export volume, a development the minister described as an indication of improved quality across production and marketing chains.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Hneifat said the sector has undergone a notable transformation, extending beyond production and export growth to directly support national food security, sustainable development, environmental protection, and social equity. He attributed this progress to a combination of royal support and integrated government policies.

Hneifat emphasized that His Majesty King Abdullah II’s direct support and close follow-up of the Sustainable Agriculture Plan, along with its alignment with the Economic Modernization Vision, have positioned Jordan’s agricultural experience as a regional and international model.

The minister noted that royal directives have placed agriculture as a strategic priority, recognizing it as a cornerstone of national food security and a vital part of the country’s broader security framework. These efforts, he added, have created an enabling environment for development plans and provided direct support to Jordanian farmers.

Hneifat said agriculture has evolved from a seasonal activity into an economic and environmental engine that drives development, particularly in rural areas, camps, and the Badia. The sector now plays a growing role in job creation, social stability, and narrowing the food gap.

As part of ongoing efforts to build institutional capacity, the Ministry of Agriculture has hired 600 agricultural engineers and veterinarians and increased its agricultural loan portfolio to JD 115 million. The funding supports specialized projects in areas such as hydroponics, food processing, and rural women’s empowerment. Additionally, the ministry signed 20 agreements with investors to absorb surplus production, attract foreign currency, and expand digital marketing channels.

Afforestation initiatives were also highlighted, with Hneifat stating that tree planting is both an environmental and developmental activity. The ministry has launched a 10-year plan to plant 10 million trees using technologies such as the cocoon system and by utilizing non-potable water in southern regions and rainwater in the north.

In water conservation, the ministry adopted a water harvesting strategy that includes the annual construction of 50 ponds and 5,000 wells. JD 65 million has been allocated to climate adaptation projects, of which JD 31 million is available as interest-free loans.

On the marketing front, the Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Products Marketing Company (JPACO) has reopened 16 European markets and established a training institute to promote cooperative agriculture. A new cooperatives law has also been activated. Training stations across the Jordan Valley, northern, and southern regions are offering advanced agricultural technologies and smart farming practices, benefiting approximately 15,000 trainees.

Hneifat reported that 61% of Jordan’s food needs are currently met through local production. Self-sufficiency in red meat has increased from 28% to 45% over the past four years. More than 900,000 head of sheep, including 754,000 live and 150,000 slaughtered, have been exported to Gulf countries.

Efforts to regulate the fodder market and ensure the fair distribution of JD 100 million in government support have included the introduction of electronic livestock tagging and the formation of committees to verify actual livestock holdings and ensure subsidies reach eligible breeders.

Hneifat concluded that the progress achieved in the agricultural sector reflects strong cooperation between public institutions and the private sector, supported by flexible policies and a high-level political commitment. He said this combination has turned Jordan’s agricultural transformation into a regional model for development, food security, and climate resilience.

//Petra// RZ

13/04/2025 09:23:17