Amman, May 6 (Petra) -- Jordan is accelerating efforts to modernize its agricultural advisory system through the launch of the Jordan Forum for Agricultural Advisory and Advisory Services (JFAAS), a new initiative aimed at strengthening the sector’s ability to respond to mounting climate and economic challenges.

Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat said the forum represents a strategic step toward reshaping agricultural extension services in line with rapid regional and global transformations, particularly as the sector shifts toward more integrated, technology-driven, and participatory models.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Khreisat said Jordan has positioned itself as a leading regional example in agricultural advisory development, especially in the areas of digital transformation and climate-smart agriculture.

The minister said the agricultural sector faces growing pressures linked to water scarcity, climate change, and rising production costs, increasing the need for a more efficient and flexible advisory system capable of responding to farmers’ evolving needs.

To address these challenges, the ministry has prepared the National Agricultural Extension Development Plan for 2024–2030, which outlines a comprehensive framework for modernizing advisory services, expanding partnerships, and increasing the use of technology across the sector.

Khreisat said the ministry is building an integrated national system that combines field-based and digital extension services through cooperation with multiple stakeholders.
As part of the initiative, the ministry is developing an interactive digital platform designed to provide data-driven advisory services, online training, and direct communication channels with farmers.

He said the reforms are intended to improve farmers’ access to services, enhance resource efficiency, particularly water use, and encourage wider adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices to support long-term sustainability.

Khreisat also stressed the importance of expanding cooperation with the private sector, international organizations, and civil society institutions to deliver advisory services aligned with market requirements and agricultural development priorities.

He noted that Jordan is strengthening regional cooperation through engagement with the Arab Forum for Rural Advisory Services, which supports knowledge exchange and the transfer of best practices and innovation in agricultural extension.

According to the minister, the planned national forum will provide a platform to improve coordination among stakeholders and connect Jordan’s efforts with regional and international agricultural advisory networks.

He added that the initiative will help identify gaps in current rural advisory services and contribute to the development of a unified national vision for the sector.

Khreisat described investment in agricultural advisory services as an investment in food security, rural development, and the future resilience of Jordan’s agricultural economy.

The remarks came during the first national consultative workshop on strengthening rural advisory services, which opened Tuesday in Amman under the patronage of the Ministry of Agriculture and was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

The event brought together experts and representatives from national institutions to discuss ways to expand integrated, data-driven agricultural services and strengthen communication with farmers.

//Petra// RZ

06/05/2026 10:32:28