AMMAN — Assistant Secretary-General for Agricultural Marketing and Quality at the Ministry of Agriculture, Ayman Oran, said the ministry has continued to implement a package of policies and programmes.

 

Oran noted these policies aim to enhance growth in the Kingdom's agricultural sector, support investment, achieve food security and increase competitiveness of Jordanian products in local and global markets, in line with Royal directives to transform challenges into developmental and economic opportunities, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

The ministry has adopted integrated policies, which are based on the Economic Modernisation Vision (EMV) and the government's executive programme, for agricultural exports to ensure the smooth flow of Jordanian products to foreign markets and work on opening new markets, as well as maintaining traditional markets, he added.

 

He added that the ministry has provided direct support for air and sea agricultural exports, amounting to around JD2 million, which has contributed to maintaining export's sustainability despite regional and logistical challenges.

 

Oran said the ministry has considered to providing agricultural inputs, encouraging investment in the pesticide, fertiliser, veterinary preparation, and vaccine and seed industries.

 

Despite global rises, this has effort helped curb local price increases and has impacted farmers' ability to continue production and mitigate the effect of rising costs on the sector.

 

He referred to the ministry's focus on stimulating investment in crops that were previously in short supply and created gaps in local production, mainly potatoes, garlic, carrots and onions.

 

The policies have contributed to achieving "self-sufficiency" and generating production surpluses that suit processing and export activities, which enhanced the added value of Jordanian agricultural products.

 

The Assistant Secretary-General added that the ministry has supported expansion of crop cultivation that withstand transportation and storage challenges, mainly watermelon, which contributes to diversifying agricultural exports and increased farmers' incomes.

 

In the livestock sector, he said the ministry implemented supportive policies that contributed to increased table egg production, achieving an abundance that meets local market needs and provides quantities for export despite regional competition.

 

The ministry stated also focused on the hatchery industry and broiler chicken production, seizing the Kingdom's favourable climate, suitable investment environment and accumulated technical expertise, Petra reported.