Amman, July 28 (Petra) - 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 programs, based on the Economic Modernization Vision and the government's executive program.

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.

Oran, in a statement to "Petra," said the ministry has adopted "integrated" policies 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 that the ministry has provided direct support for air and sea agricultural exports, amounting to approximately JD2 million, which has contributed to enhancing "competitiveness" of national products and maintaining export "sustainability" despite regional and logistical challenges.

He pointed out the ministry's commitment to achieving a balance between export requirements and the needs of the local market.

Through policies for ensuring the abundance of agricultural products and the stability of quantities offered in the markets, he stated the ministry has maintained price stability and prevented shortages of essential goods.

Oran said the ministry has given "considerable" attention to providing agricultural inputs, encouraging investment in the pesticide, fertilizer, veterinary preparation, vaccine, and seed industries.

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

In the context of enhancing self-sufficiency, 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.

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

He added that the ministry has supported expansion of crop cultivation that withstand transportation and storage challenges and possess "promising" opportunities in foreign markets, 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, he stated, also focused on the hatchery industry and broiler chicken production, seizing the Kingdom's favorable climate, suitable investment environment, and accumulated technical expertise.

//Petra// AG More...