Northern Jordan Valley, Dec. 30 (Petra) – Recent rainfall across the Kingdom has had a positive impact on the agricultural sector in the Northern Jordan Valley, particularly on citrus orchards, which represent the area’s main crop and account for about 82 percent of the Kingdom’s total citrus production.

Farmers told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the rainfall came at a critical time for the sector, easing reliance on irrigation and improving growing conditions. They said the improved moisture levels are expected to enhance fruit quality and reduce production costs, especially in light of rising agricultural input prices.

Head of the Jordanian Citrus Agricultural Cooperative Society Abdul Rahman Ghazawi said the rainfall played a key role in supporting citrus trees, particularly varieties still in the ripening stage, including oranges and tangerines. He said the rain helps wash the trees, improve soil moisture and vegetative growth, and limit insect pests, notably the fruit fly, which affected orchards at the start of the season. These factors, he said, will be reflected in improved fruit size and quality.

Ghazawi said citrus cultivation forms the backbone of agriculture in the Northern Jordan Valley, providing employment opportunities for residents. He said the current season points to a favorable harvest if weather conditions remain stable, raising farmers’ hopes for adequate irrigation water supplies during the coming summer. He also called for continued support for farmers to help them address climate-related challenges.

Director of Agriculture in the Northern Jordan Valley, Mohammad Naeem, said the recent rainfall enhanced the vitality of citrus trees, increased fruit set, and improved fruit size, color, and overall quality.

Naeem said the rainfall was equally important for stimulating the germination of field crops such as wheat and barley, improving nutrient absorption and productivity, enhancing vegetable crop quality, and strengthening resistance to pests.

He urged farmers to reduce irrigation following rainfall, closely monitor crops for fungal diseases, and ensure proper drainage of excess water from agricultural land. He said the Directorate of Agriculture is monitoring conditions on the ground and providing technical guidance to farmers to ensure optimal use of current weather conditions.

Naeem said the agricultural sector in the Northern Jordan Valley, which spans about 118,000 dunams, holds strong potential for growth and sustainability, supporting food security and reinforcing the national agricultural economy.

//Petra// AJ

30/12/2025 15:19:18