Amman: Agriculture Minister Saeb Khraisat discussed the progress of the Agricultural Resilience and Value Chain Development and Innovation Program (ARDI) with a World Bank delegation, reviewing achievements and prospects for the agricultural sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meetings, held as part of the World Bank mission for the ARDI program funded by the bank, assessed agricultural cooperatives and producer groups while reviewing implementation progress and completed initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable agricultural development.
Khraisat highlighted key achievements under the program, including water harvesting projects in Badia and farm areas, preparation of tender documents for a national agricultural product traceability system, and progress in improving procedures to combat foot-and-mouth disease, alongside the development of agricultural extension services.
He also pointed to efforts in training unemployed young men and women and preparing them for agricultural professions, aimed at creating job opportunities and supporting economic development in rural areas.
World Bank representatives reviewed progress in the ongoing evaluation of agricultural cooperatives and producer groups in Jordan, describing it as the first assessment of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa region. They said the evaluation is expected to improve value chains and enhance the productivity and marketing efficiency of cooperatives.
The delegation commended Jordan's achievements under the ARDI program and praised efforts to meet environmental and social requirements in line with international standards and best practices.
Khraisat reaffirmed the ministry's commitment to full cooperation with the World Bank team, stressing the importance of maintaining progress, overcoming challenges, and building on achievements to ensure sustainable agricultural development.