Amman: Northern Jordan Valley: Recent rainfall across the Kingdom has had a positive impact on the agricultural sector in the Northern Jordan Valley, particularly on citrus orchards, which represent the area's main crop and account for about 82 percent of the Kingdom's total citrus production.
According to Jordan News Agency, farmers reported that the rainfall came at a critical time for the sector, easing reliance on irrigation and improving growing conditions. They mentioned that the enhanced moisture levels are expected to improve fruit quality and reduce production costs, especially considering the rising agricultural input prices.
Abdul Rahman Ghazawi, Head of the Jordanian Citrus Agricultural Cooperative Society, highlighted the role of rainfall in supporting citrus trees, especially varieties still in the ripening stage, such as oranges and tangerines. He noted that the rain helps wash the trees, improve soil moisture and vegetative growth, and limit insect pests, notably the fruit fly, which affected orchards at the start of the season. These improvements are anticipated to reflect in enhanced fruit size and quality.
Ghazawi emphasized that citrus cultivation is the backbone of agriculture in the Northern Jordan Valley, providing employment opportunities for residents. He expressed optimism about a favorable harvest if weather conditions remain stable, raising hopes for adequate irrigation water supplies during the coming summer. Ghazawi also called for continued support for farmers to help them tackle climate-related challenges.
Mohammad Naeem, Director of Agriculture in the Northern Jordan Valley, stated that the recent rainfall increased the vitality of citrus trees, enhanced fruit set, and improved fruit size, color, and overall quality. Naeem also pointed out the significance of rainfall in stimulating the germination of field crops like wheat and barley, improving nutrient absorption and productivity, enhancing vegetable crop quality, and strengthening resistance to pests.
He advised farmers to reduce irrigation following rainfall, closely monitor crops for fungal diseases, and ensure proper drainage of excess water from agricultural land. Naeem assured that the Directorate of Agriculture is monitoring conditions on the ground and providing technical guidance to farmers to ensure optimal use of current weather conditions.
Naeem highlighted that the agricultural sector in the Northern Jordan Valley, which spans about 118,000 dunams, holds strong potential for growth and sustainability, supporting food security and reinforcing the national agricultural economy.