Amman: Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat confirmed that Jordan's National Plan for Agricultural Sustainability is steadily progressing, enhancing food security and driving growth in the agricultural sector. He highlighted that recent indicators show substantial improvements in production, exports, and employment within the sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hneifat made these remarks during a panel discussion hosted by the Greater Amman Municipality as part of its "Cultural Salon" series. The session was attended by journalists, experts, and stakeholders in agriculture and the environment, with journalist Mohammad Al-Zyoud moderating the discussion.
Hneifat stressed that agriculture is vital to Jordan's national economy, significantly contributing to poverty reduction and employment generation, especially in rural areas. He explained that the ministry is executing a National Plan for Sustainable Development (2022-2025), which has Royal backing. The plan includes strengthening outreach to farmers and increasing the technical staff proportion in the workforce by creating 600 new positions for agricultural engineers and veterinarians.
Hneifat pointed out challenges such as water scarcity and limited market access, with 75% of land border crossings closed. Despite this, Jordan exports agricultural products to over 100 countries and meets 63% of its domestic consumption through local production.
Regarding wheat cultivation, Hneifat noted that Jordan's annual demand exceeds one million tons, while local production accounts for just 20,000 tons. To support this strategic crop, the government buys wheat from local farmers at triple the global market price.
He announced an investment opportunity in sugar beet cultivation in Azraq and Wadi Araba to produce sugar domestically and prioritize food processing to capitalize on surplus vegetable production, reducing imports.
Over the past four years, the ministry has constructed more earthen dams and water catchments than in the previous century, supporting livestock farming and biodiversity. The Agricultural Credit Corporation expanded its portfolio to JD 115 million, with annual lending reaching JD 60 million, focusing on low-interest loans under the Economic Modernization Vision.
Hneifat praised the cooperation with GAM in launching an e-marketing platform for local agricultural products. Last year, agricultural exports increased by JD 436 million due to a focus on value-added goods.
He highlighted the success of the Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Products Marketing Company (JPACO) in generating profits within three years, showcasing effective public-private partnerships in expanding market access for farmers.
On the legislative front, the ministry has streamlined the sector's legal framework by eliminating or merging 1,080 licensing requirements, facilitating smoother goods movement. The Chambers of Industry and Commerce are key partners in this reform.
Hneifat revealed the ministry's "economic afforestation" initiative to plant one million carob trees, with 185,000 already planted. Plans are underway to build a specialized factory for carob products.
Hneifat concluded by reaffirming the ministry's commitment to advancing local agricultural production, enhancing self-reliance, and fostering rural development, despite ongoing challenges.