Amman:Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat recently met with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Director-General Qu Dongyu to discuss enhancing collaborative efforts to improve food systems and address climate change and water scarcity issues in Jordan.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting took place during the World Food Forum, where both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening the partnership between Jordan and the FAO. They focused on supporting sustainable agricultural and food systems in alignment with Jordan's national priorities.
Minister Khreisat highlighted the necessity of boosting agricultural productivity, enhancing water-use efficiency, adopting modern technologies, and expanding economic opportunities for farmers and rural communities. He also stressed the importance of empowering women and young people in agriculture.
The discussions included advancing three Jordanian agricultural investment proposals under the FAO's Hand-in-Hand Initiative. They also explored opportunities for partnerships and investments to enhance agricultural marketing, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase the value of agricultural products. This strategy aims to create jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Jordanian products in both domestic and international markets.
Additionally, the meeting addressed promoting agricultural innovation and expanding digital extension services. Utilizing modern technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) was discussed as a means to improve farming practices, optimize natural resource use, and assist farmers in adapting to climate change, especially given Jordan's limited water resources.
Plans were also discussed for hosting an international exhibition on modern agricultural technologies and smart farming in Jordan in early 2027. This event aims to gather local and international institutions, companies, experts, and innovators to showcase technologies that support agricultural development and sustainability.
The exhibition is expected to cover areas such as smart farming, digital transformation, modern irrigation, precision agriculture, AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and more. It would serve as a platform for expertise exchange and promote investment and international partnerships in advanced agricultural technology.
Khreisat and Qu also reviewed initiatives to empower women and young people in agriculture and benefit from international programs, including the FAO's One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative, which focuses on Jordanian dates, and the Green Cities Initiative. They emphasized improving farmers' livelihoods, attracting investment, strengthening food security, and building a more sustainable agricultural sector. Concluding the meeting, both sides committed to enhancing cooperation on Jordan's primary agricultural priorities.