Amman, July 7 (Petra) – Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat affirmed that the National Plan for Agricultural Sustainability is steadily advancing, enhancing food security and driving sectoral growth. He noted that recent indicators reflect significant improvements in production, exports, and employment within the agricultural sector.

Speaking during a panel discussion hosted by the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) on Monday as part of its "Cultural Salon" series, Hneifat addressed an audience of journalists, experts, and stakeholders in agriculture and the environment. The session was moderated by journalist Mohammad Al-Zyoud, a member of the Jordan Press Association Council.

Hneifat emphasized that agriculture is a cornerstone of Jordan’s national economy, contributing effectively to reducing poverty and unemployment particularly in rural and remote areas and serving as a key driver of rural development.

He explained that the ministry is implementing a National Plan for Sustainable Development (2022–2025), which enjoys Royal backing. As part of this plan, the ministry has strengthened outreach to farmers through agricultural extension services and increased the proportion of technical staff in its workforce from 15% to 28% over three years by creating 600 new positions for agricultural engineers and veterinarians.

Among the main challenges facing the sector, Hneifat cited water scarcity and limited market access, particularly with 75% of land border crossings closed, restricting the marketing of agricultural products.

He noted that Jordan’s annual water budget stands at just one billion cubic meters, half of which goes to agriculture, despite the country ranking among the most water-scarce in the world. Nevertheless, Jordan exports agricultural products to over 100 countries and meets 63% of domestic consumption through local production.

On wheat cultivation, Hneifat stated that Jordan’s annual demand exceeds one million tons, while local production covers just 20,000 tons. To support this strategic crop, the government buys wheat from local farmers at triple the global market price.

He also announced an investment opportunity to grow sugar beet in Azraq and Wadi Araba, aiming to produce sugar domestically and enhance food self-sufficiency. The ministry is also prioritizing food processing to capitalize on surplus vegetable production estimated at 130% to 140% to reduce imports.

Over the past four years, the ministry has constructed more earthen dams and water catchments than were built in the previous hundred years, supporting livestock farming and biodiversity, Hneifat said.

In the area of agricultural financing, the Agricultural Credit Corporation has expanded its portfolio to JD 115 million, with annual lending reaching JD 60 million of which JD 31 million is interest-free or at low interest under the broader Economic Modernization Vision.

The minister praised GAM's cooperation in launching an e-marketing platform to support local agricultural products. Last year, agricultural exports increased by JD 436 million, driven by a focus on value-added goods.

He also highlighted the success of the Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Products Marketing Company (JPACO), which has generated profits within three years of its establishment, reflecting the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in expanding market access for farmers.

On the legislative front, Hneifat said the ministry has streamlined the sector’s legal framework, eliminating or merging 1,080 licensing requirements to facilitate smoother goods movement. He noted that the Chambers of Industry and Commerce are key partners in this reform process.

He further revealed that the ministry is working on an "economic afforestation" initiative to plant one million carob trees, of which 185,000 have already been planted. Preparations are also underway to build a specialized factory for carob products.

Hneifat concluded by reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to advancing local agricultural production, enhancing self-reliance, and fostering rural development, despite ongoing water and marketing challenges.

//Petra// AF

07/07/2025 23:58:27