Amman: A sectoral session focused on agriculture and food security was held Monday at the Prime Ministry and reviewed the strategic vision for developing Jordan's agricultural sector and enhancing national food security. The session was chaired by Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat and saw the participation of Senate Agriculture and Water Committee Chair Akef Zoubi and several officials, experts and stakeholders.
According to Jordan News Agency, discussions covered key achievements, future programmes, enabling regulations and impact indicators as Khreisat said that agriculture is a cornerstone of Jordan's economic and social stability, as well as food security. He outlined the sector's strategic objectives, which include improving the agricultural business environment, promoting sustainable production in the face of climate change, upgrading rural livelihoods, attracting investment, leveraging modern technology, expanding food industries and enhancing agricultural marketing to boost export competitiveness. The strategy prioritises biodiversity preservation and ecosystem development.
The session approved several enabling measures in line with these objectives, including amended regulation for registering new plant varieties, a Solidarity Fund Law to mitigate agricultural risks, and a Cooperatives Law, all set for 2025. Other measures include the amended Food Security Council regulation and Agricultural Workers Regulation, due in 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Strategic projects and initiatives were also outlined, such as the establishment of an agricultural industrial development zone in Ghor Al-Mazra'a, an extension of a 75% fee exemption on exported horticultural products until 2025, and the creation of a national food security database and digital agricultural holdings registry. Approval was given for land leasing for an agricultural industrial development city in the Central Jordan Valley.
Khreisat highlighted key achievements in recent years, including the formation of 10 agricultural alliances to strengthen supply chains and promote contract farming, support for three new food industry factories in the Southern Jordan Valley, and incentives for 14 factories through rental subsidies. There has been a promotion of modern irrigation systems and clean energy solutions, the opening of the National Seed Bank, and expansion of grain storage capacity in Ghabawi and refrigerated warehouses in the Juwaida silos complex.
Impact indicators from the strategy's implementation showed sustainable cultivation areas expanded from 14,000 to 22,000 dunums, agricultural exports increased from JD 969 million to JD 1.529 billion, and agriculture's contribution to GDP rose from JD 1.51 billion to JD 1.72 billion. Strategic grain reserves for wheat and barley were maintained at a 12-month sufficiency level.
Looking ahead, the session outlined priorities for the sector's future programme, focusing on enhancing rainwater harvesting and water resource management, developing agricultural vocational education and training, and encouraging innovation and modern technology adoption. Additional goals include institutionalising food security research, expanding public-private partnerships, and improving agricultural promotion and marketing systems.
In his concluding remarks, Khreisat said that the undertaken efforts reflect a comprehensive national approach aimed at empowering the agricultural sector to overcome challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities. He stated that the strategy will yield tangible benefits for farmers, investors, and consumers, while positioning Jordan as a regional leader in sustainable agriculture and food security.