Tafilah, June 21 (Petra) – Grain cultivation has rebounded strongly in Tafilah during the current agricultural season, marking a significant step forward in Jordan's national strategic efforts to enhance food security and self-reliance in vital food commodities.
Field surveys show that approximately 42,000 dunams were planted with wheat and barley, supported by significantly improved rainfall that has boosted production prospects and revived a sector long affected by drought conditions. The recovery aligns with the Kingdom's broader agricultural modernization plans aimed at building sustainable food systems and supporting rural communities.
Farmers in the governorate emphasized that boosting domestic wheat and barley production remains a core pillar of local food security and a critical income source for rural families, while simultaneously reducing reliance on imports by providing crucial livestock feed through hay and crop residues.
As the harvest season gets underway, wheat and barley fields across the governorate have returned to production levels not seen in recent years, restoring a key agricultural activity for which Tafilah has historically been known. This turnaround follows several difficult seasons marked by severe drought and low rainfall that had previously compromised local yields and threatened agrarian livelihoods.
Since early June, local farmers have begun harvesting their fields using traditional methods across various agricultural areas, expressing high optimism about a season considered among the best in recent years. Rainfall exceeded 500 millimeters during the current season, a dramatic increase compared with about 80 millimeters last season, when production declined sharply, and no grain was delivered to collection committees.
Field surveys conducted by the Tafilah Agriculture Directorate also showed that 25 farmers have already registered to obtain certificates of origin for their grain crops. This step is essential for integrated supply chain planning, enabling farmers to market their produce efficiently.
Farmers noted that the abundant and well-distributed rainfall contributed to stronger crop growth and higher ear density, with production expected to reach nearly 80 percent of the cultivated land's potential capacity. This improved outlook has renewed hopes for restoring grain cultivation to its traditional prominence, reinforcing the agricultural sector’s resilience against climate change.
Director of the Tafilah Agriculture Directorate, Bilal Haloul, said the directorate is closely monitoring the agricultural season through specialized field committees tasked with inspecting cultivated areas and verifying data in preparation for marketing and supply procedures. These measures ensure that certificates of origin are accurately issued to eligible farmers, streamlining the integration of local harvests into national reserves.
Haloul explained that harvesting operations were delayed somewhat this season due to continued moisture in wheat stalks and leaves resulting from favorable weather conditions, but he expected harvesting activity to expand rapidly in the coming days.
He added that Tafilah possesses substantial agricultural potential for expanding field crop cultivation, supported by its diverse climate, varying elevations, and available water resources, all of which are being leveraged to strengthen agricultural productivity and support sustainable sector growth.
Farmers called for sustained technical and financial support for the agricultural sector and requested proactive measures to address production challenges. They stressed that expanding grain cultivation represents a critical, strategic move toward protecting national food security and achieving long-term sustainable agricultural development in the Kingdom.
//Petra// AJ
