Agricultural sector undergoes ‘unprecedented transformation' in 2024
Minister of Agriculture Khaled Huneifat says that Jordan's agricultural sector recorded "robust growth" in 2024, expanding by 6.9 per cent compared with 5.8 per cent in 2023 (Petra photo)
AMMAN — Jordan's agricultural sector recorded "robust growth" in 2024, expanding by 6.9 per cent compared with 5.8 per cent in 2023, according to Minister of Agriculture Khaled Huneifat.
Agricultural exports reached JD426 million, marking a 39 per cent increase, including a 14 per cent rise in export volume, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
Huneifat said the sector has undergone an unprecedented transformation that goes beyond production and exports, contributing directly to national food security, sustainable development, social equity, and environmental protection.
Emphasising the sector's role in employment generation and social stability, Huneifat noted that the ministry has enhanced its institutional capacity by hiring 600 agricultural engineers and veterinarians and expanding its loan portfolio to JD115 million. The funds target high-impact projects such as hydroponics, food processing, and rural women's empowerment, he added.
The ministry has also signed 20 agreements with investors to absorb surplus production, increase foreign currency inflows and expand e-marketing platforms for agricultural products.
"Jordan is also launching a 10-year initiative to plant 10 million trees using innovative techniques such as the "cocoon" system and non-potable water in the south, and rainwater harvesting in the north," he added.
"The ministry is building 50 reservoirs and 5,000 wells annually and allocating JD65 million to climate adaptation projects, JD31 million of which will be disbursed as interest-free loans."
The Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Marketing Company has reopened access to 16 European markets and established a specialised training institute to strengthen cross-border agricultural cooperation. The ministry has also issued a new law on cooperatives and launched advanced training centres for smart agriculture in the Jordan Valley, as well as northern and southern regions, benefiting some 15,000 trainees.
Huneifat reported that 61 per cent of Jordan's food is now produced locally. Self-sufficiency in red meat has increased from 28 per cent to 45 per cent over the past four years, with over 900,000 sheep, 754,000 live and 150,000 slaughtered, exported to Gulf countries.
He also highlighted reforms in the fodder market, where JD100 million in government subsidies have been better targeted through the implementation of electronic livestock tagging and land ownership verification mechanisms to ensure support reaches eligible farmers.
The minister also stressed that these achievements have been made possible through strong public-private partnerships, supported by flexible policies and high-level political will, turning Jordan's agricultural sector into a regional model for development, food security, and climate resilience.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
9 hours ago
- Jordan News
Jordan Ahli Bank Launches ‘Anty' Program for Financial Empowerment of Women - Jordan News
Jordan Ahli Bank Launches 'Anty' Program for Financial Empowerment of Women Amman, June 2025: With taking step towards advancing financial inclusion and women's economic empowerment, Jordan Ahli Bank has launched 'Anty', an innovative banking program designed specifically for women. اضافة اعلان This initiative is intended to meet women's unique financial needs and aspirations by delivering innovative products and personalized banking services. The program features two dedicated tracks: 'Anty for Individuals' and 'Anty for SMEs' - providing a broad set of solutions to serve diverse female segments across the nation. The 'Anty for Individuals' program is designed to provide women with premium banking solutions and advantages that tailor to their lifestyles. This enables them to reach financial stability and security for the future. This track also offers preferential interest rates on car loans, along with an exclusive monthly draw—running from June through the end of 2025—where female customers who obtain a car loan of JOD 15,000 or more have the chance to win a gold ounce. Meanwhile, the 'Anty for SMEs' aims to provide banking services and facilities to businesswomen and women-managed businesses to finance their commercial activities and empower them to expand and prosper. This is achieved through financing their working capital, and operational expenses, as well as offering specialized financing solutions for funding projects or fixed assets related to their business activities. Dr. Ahmad Al-Hussein, CEO and General Manager of Jordan Ahli Bank, has commented on this initiative, stating, 'At Jordan Ahli Bank, we recognize that empowering women financially is one of the most impactful investments we can make for a better future for our communities. The 'Anty' program represents this belief by providing practical, purpose-oriented banking solutions that address the genuine needs of Jordanian women. Whether they are pursuing personal financial independence or aiming to expand their businesses, this initiative highlights our commitment to innovation that drives inclusive and impactful economic growth for everyone."
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
21-Carat Gold Priced at JD 68.3 in the Local Market - Jordan News
21-Carat Gold Priced at JD 68.3 in the Local Market The selling price of one gram of 21-carat gold, the most in-demand among citizens, reached JD 68.30 in the local market today, Saturday, while the buying price stood at JD 66.30 at jewelry shops. اضافة اعلان The selling prices of gold per gram for other carats were as follows: 24-carat: JD 78.40 18-carat: JD 60.70 14-carat: JD 46.10 The price of a 7-gram Rashadi gold coin was JD 477, and the 8-gram English gold coin was priced at JD 545. Head of the General Syndicate of Owners of Jewelry and Goldsmiths Shops, Mr. Rabhi Allan, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that demand for gold in the local market is fluctuating between weak and moderate. However, he expects improvement in demand for gold jewelry during upcoming occasions and celebrations. He added that the yellow metal closed its weekly trading on the global market on Friday at USD 3,368 per ounce. — (Petra)
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Mobile Licensing Unit in Barqash Municipality, Irbid, Tomorrow - Jordan News
Mobile Licensing Unit in Barqash Municipality, Irbid, Tomorrow The Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department, in cooperation with Barqash Municipality in Irbid, will provide mobile licensing services under the innovative initiative 'We Come to You' (Binsollak), starting tomorrow, Sunday, and continuing through next Wednesday. اضافة اعلان Mayor Khaled Al-Faqih told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) on Saturday that the mobile licensing unit will be stationed at the Prince Hussein Hall, affiliated with the municipality, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., offering full licensing services to drivers and their vehicles in the area. He explained that this service is part of a joint effort between the municipality and the Public Security Directorate, represented by the Drivers and Vehicles Licensing Department, to ease procedures for citizens and reduce their burden. He noted that services will include issuing and renewing driver's licenses and vehicle registrations, payment of fees, and immediate issuance of documents. He praised the department's efforts in providing this service, which saves citizens both time and effort. — (Petra)
