Aqaba, Sept. 30 (Petra) -- Agricultural financing in Aqaba is supporting farmers and a growing range of projects suited to the governorate’s climate and environment, with around 150 farmers having received financing worth approximately JD1 million to date, according to Mohammad -Qaramseh, director of the Agricultural Credit Corporation’s Aqaba branch.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Qaramseh said the corporation is placing strong emphasis on sustainable development and supporting farmers, particularly in areas with distinctive agricultural characteristics in Aqaba.

He said financing has increased in Quwayrah, Wadi Rum and Wadi Araba, contributing to the development of the governorate’s agricultural sector.

Farmers are increasingly turning to livestock projects, particularly camel and sheep farming, which are well suited to the area’s climate and environmental conditions. There is also growing interest in home-based businesses, including soap and scented-candle production, as well as dairy and cheese making.

Qaramseh said the corporation’s management is placing particular emphasis on encouraging young people to establish entrepreneurial projects, helping create employment opportunities and contribute to reducing unemployment.

He noted that the Aqaba branch finances a range of projects suited to the governorate’s conditions, including camel farming, fish farming, the reclamation of agricultural land in the Wadi Araba desert, and renewable energy projects.

Studies indicate that these projects have a high potential for success, particularly given the favorable climate and soil conditions in the area, he said.

Camel farming is among the successful projects in the governorate, Qaramseh said, explaining that financing decisions are based on feasibility studies conducted by loan officers, as well as assessments of the farmer’s experience, project costs, prospects for success and long-term sustainability.

//Petra//WH