Amman, Oct 5 (Petra) – Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat said on Monday that Department of Statistics figures for the second quarter of 2026 underscored the sector's key role as a key driver of economic growth.

The farming sector achieved the highest growth rate among various economic activities, 7.8 percent at constant prices compared to the same period in 2025, with the sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at 4.5 percent, the minister said.

Khreisat said the "outstanding" performance underscores the success of government policies and programs implemented by the Ministry in partnership with the private sector and farmers, which aimed to boost productivity, improve natural resources efficiency, and expand export markets for Jordanian produce.

Official data showed the national economy grew by 3 percent in the second quarter of 2026, compared to 2.8 percent in the same period last year, with the agricultural sector leading economic sectors in growth rate terms, he pointed out.

The minister said the agricultural sector contributed directly to overall economic growth by 0.34 percentage points out of the 3 percent, coming second only to the manufacturing sector, which underscores the significant economic impact of agriculture on the GDP.

The positive indicators stem from the implementation of the Economic Modernization Vision and the 2026–2029 executive program, as well as ministry policies supporting the agricultural sector and farmers, he said.

Such policies include the agricultural calendar and subsidized agricultural financing designed to promote the adoption of modern farming technologies, stimulate agro-industries reliant on local inputs, and boost agricultural exports via air and sea transport, the minister said.

Khreisat pledged that the ministry will carry out strategic plans to bolster national food security and enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian agricultural products in both domestic and international markets.

He said the agricultural sector's achievements reflected its role as a key driver of economic growth in the Kingdom amid the geopolitical circumstances and food security challenges the region has recently faced.

//Petra//SS

05/10/2026 16:38:18