Amman: Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat on Tuesday met with the newly elected president and members of the Jordanian Agricultural Engineers Association at the ministry's headquarters.
According to Jordan News Agency, the association's president, Ali Abu Nuqta, commended the ministry's sustained support for the previous board, highlighting strategic projects such as the Hammad and Sarhan land development initiatives, the Tuana agricultural station, leased land development in the Disi area, and a fish freezing plant. He noted that these initiatives have significantly impacted the sector and the syndicate's operations.
Hneifat outlined the tangible outcomes from recent reforms and organizational efforts within the agricultural sector, including a notable increase in agricultural exports to nearly JD1.5 billion and a 6.9% growth rate anticipated in 2024.
The minister stressed the ongoing progress under the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture, which includes improvements to extension services, support for agricultural exports, protection of local products, and food security programs. He noted that over 50,000 farmers have benefited from the JD250 million agricultural lending program, aimed at promoting high-value projects with direct economic impact.
Hneifat also highlighted the ministry's efforts in food processing and investment promotion, resulting in the establishment of 20 new factories, most of which are expected to become operational by the end of the year.
National afforestation efforts are progressing across several governorates using advanced techniques such as the Cocoon system and treated water. Additionally, industrial forests are being developed in central and northern regions.