Jordan’s Agriculture Sector Grows by 6.9% in 2024 – Minister

Jordan’s Agriculture Sector Grows by 6.9% in 2024 – Minister
Jordan’s Agriculture Sector Grows by 6.9% in 2024 – Minister
Jordan’s agriculture sector grew by 6.9% in 2024, surpassing the 5.8% growth recorded in 2023, Minister of Agriculture Eng. Khaled Hneifat said, adding that agricultural exports jumped to 426 million dinars, marking a 39% increase, with 14% of that growth being quantitative—a reflection of improved production and marketing chains.اضافة اعلان

In a statement to Petra News Agency, the minister highlighted that the sector is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, going beyond production and exports to address national food security, sustainable development, social justice, and environmental protection—all in alignment with Royal directives and integrated government policies.

Hneifat attributed this deep transformation to direct support and close follow-up by His Majesty King Abdullah II, particularly regarding the Sustainable Agriculture Plan, which aligns with the Economic Modernization Vision. This, he said, has turned Jordanian agriculture into a regional and global model.

He emphasized that Royal directives have given agriculture strategic priority as a cornerstone of food and national security and a foundation for development plans and support for Jordanian farmers.

“Agriculture is no longer a luxury or seasonal activity,” Hneifat stressed. “It has become an economic, environmental, and developmental driver, particularly in rural areas, refugee camps, and the desert.”

He also pointed out that the sector is currently generating significant employment opportunities, enhancing community stability, and closing the food gap.

Key Initiatives and Achievements:
600 agricultural engineers and veterinarians hired

Loan portfolio increased to 115 million dinars for strategic projects, including:

Hydroponics

Food processing

Women’s empowerment in rural areas

20 investment agreements signed to:

Absorb surplus production

Boost foreign currency inflow

Expand e-marketing

Reforestation and Climate Action
Reforestation is now seen not only as an environmental effort but also a developmental one. The ministry launched a 10 million tree planting campaign over a decade using:

“Cocoon” water-saving technology

Non-potable water in the south

Rainwater harvesting in the north

Additional climate measures include:

50 water ponds and 5,000 wells constructed annually

65 million dinars allocated for climate adaptation projects (31 million as interest-free loans)

Boost in Local Production & Exports
61% of Jordan’s food now produced locally

Self-sufficiency in red meat rose from 28% to 45% over 4 years

Over 900,000 sheep exported (754,000 live, 150,000 slaughtered) to Gulf countries

To ensure fair distribution of government support (100 million dinars), electronic tagging of livestock and field verification teams were deployed.

Export and Training Successes
The Jordanian-Palestinian Agricultural Marketing Company helped reopen 16 European markets

A new agricultural training institute was established to support cooperative work

Smart farming and training stations in the Jordan Valley, north, and south benefited 15,000 trainees

Hneifat concluded that these achievements were made possible through cooperation between state institutions and the private sector, flexible policies, and strong political will, turning Jordan into a regional model for agricultural development, food security, and climate resilience.

Let me know if you’d like this rewritten as a press release or shortened into bullet points.