Amman, Oct. 15 (Petra) - Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat discussed Jordan's water scarcity and the impact of climate change on agriculture at the Rome Water Dialogue 2026, urging integrated water management and more efficient water use to sustain agricultural production and ensure food security.

Addressing the event, Khreisat noted the importance of "effectively" managing the water allocated to Jordan's agricultural sector and adopting advanced water-saving technologies to improve efficiency and strengthen the sector's resilience to water and climate challenges.

He said Jordan is a "regional leader" in agricultural water-use efficiency through modern irrigation methods, outlining the Agriculture Ministry's efforts to encourage farmers to adopt water-saving technologies and practices.

These efforts include incentive programs implemented by the Agricultural Credit Corporation, the ministry's financial arm, in cooperation with international partners, including the World Bank, to support the transition to more efficient and sustainable farming.

Khreisat also pointed to ministry programs to expand water harvesting and make better use of rainfall.

In 2026, the ministry allocated approximately JD5 million to support more than 3,500 farmers in targeted areas through grants for on-farm and household water harvesting systems, according to Khreisat.

The programs seek to help farmers meet their water needs, improve resource management and sustain agricultural activities in beneficiary areas.

He also pointed to projects to build water ponds and earthen dams in Jordan's Badia regions to provide livestock breeders with nearby water sources and reduce the need to travel long distances to secure drinking water for their animals.

Besides supporting livestock production and improving breeders' living conditions, the projects help mitigate the effects of climate change, restore degraded land and sustain rangelands and natural resources.

He called fro making "greater" use of treated wastewater as a nonconventional water source that can ease pressure on freshwater supplies. He called for expanding its use in permitted agricultural activities in accordance with applicable laws and regulations to protect public health, the environment and water resources.

Jordan's participation in the Rome Water Dialogue displays the importance of international cooperation and knowledge-sharing on sustainable water management, modern agricultural technologies and partnerships that support water and food security.

//Petra// HA