Zarqa, June 21 (Petra) – Minister of Government Communication and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Sunday announced a series of Cabinet decisions, including increased allocations for wheat and barley purchases, measures to support exchange companies, and development projects in Zarqa Governorate.

Speaking at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting held in Zarqa, Momani said the meeting reflected the government's commitment to implementing development priorities identified during His Majesty King Abdullah II's visit to the governorate last month and translating them into tangible projects that improve services and living conditions for residents.

He said the Cabinet reviewed progress in implementing Zarqa's comprehensive development vision, which was developed in partnership with representatives from various sectors in the governorate and includes 155 projects and programs over three years at an estimated cost exceeding JD800 million.

Momani said the Cabinet approved the start of wheat and barley purchases from the 2025/2026 agricultural season through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply's open trading account, in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Cooperative Corporation.

He said the government allocated JD45 million for grain purchases, compared with JD19 million last year, to procure an expected harvest of between 100,000 and 110,000 tons, more than double last season's estimated production of 40,000 tons.

Under the decision, the purchase price for seed wheat was set at JD520 per ton and seed barley at JD440 per ton, while the "Mawani" variety will be purchased at JD420 per ton for wheat and JD370 per ton for barley.

The Cabinet also extended the authority of the Central Grain Purchasing Committee to announce purchase prices for the following agricultural season immediately after the current delivery season concludes, with the aim of helping farmers plan cultivation activities and expand grain production.

In addition, the government decided to sell seeds to farmers for the 2026/2027 season at the same purchase prices while covering cleaning and sterilization costs estimated at JD75 per ton.

Momani said the measures are intended to support farmers and encourage the expansion of wheat and barley cultivation due to their strategic importance to national food security.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the 2026 regulation governing the licensing of exchange companies, granting existing firms a grace period until January 1, 2028, to regularize their status.

Momani said the amendments include incentives aimed at easing regulatory and financial requirements and providing greater flexibility for companies to diversify activities and revenue streams, strengthening their financial position and competitiveness.

He added that the decision is intended to preserve the stability of the exchange sector, maintain employment, and ensure the continued provision of services throughout the Kingdom.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Zaha Cultural Center Regulation for 2026 to strengthen the legal and administrative framework governing the center's operations and support its expanding role in serving children and communities across the Kingdom.

In addition, the Cabinet approved recommendations by the Committee for Settling Outstanding Issues between Taxpayers and the Income and Sales Tax Department, resolving the tax status of 710 companies and taxpayers with pending obligations under the Income Tax Law and General Sales Tax Law.

The move is expected to support economic activity and help businesses meet their legal obligations.

Regarding Zarqa-specific decisions, Momani said the Cabinet approved the allocation of 20 dunams of forest land for the construction of a military culture school affiliated with the Jordan Armed Forces in the Birin District.

Momani also addressed the implementation of death sentences against individuals convicted in terrorism and drug trafficking cases after all stages of litigation had been completed and the rulings became final.

He said the decision reflects the rule of law and serves justice for members of the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies who died in the line of duty in defense of the Kingdom's security and stability.

Responding to questions on the Zarqa Free Zone, Momani said recent government decisions related to automobiles were taken to protect consumers and improve quality standards, stressing that the measures would remain in place to safeguard the public interest and maintain market balance.

//Petra// AJ