Amman: Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat announced on Monday that Jordan has earmarked JD45 million for the purchase of local wheat and barley crops, in a move to bolster domestic production and enhance food security. This allocation marks a significant increase from the JD19 million designated in 2025, reflecting the government's commitment to supporting local farmers and expanding strategic crop cultivation.
According to Jordan News Agency, Khraisat highlighted that the government is purchasing wheat and barley at prices more than double the global market rates. This strategy aims to encourage farmers to cultivate these essential crops, thereby increasing the national reserves. The minister estimated that the current season's production would range between 100,000 to 110,000 tons, indicating a rise in output compared to previous years. This growth is attributed to supportive agricultural policies and increased cultivation efforts.
Khraisat also addressed recent fires in agricultural areas, noting that the incidents had a minimal impact on the overall production, affecting only 0.2 percent of the total output. The ministry, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has conducted investigations and implemented necessary measures to mitigate future risks. He reaffirmed the ministry's dedication to continuing programs that support field crops, including offering incentives for farmers to expand wheat and barley cultivation, aligning with the national food security priorities.