Amman, June 22 (Petra) -- The Jordanian government has taken new steps under its Economic Modernization Vision to support the agricultural sector by increasing financial allocations for wheat and barley procurement for the 2025/2026 season to JD 45 million.

The Cabinet also approved attractive and pre-announced purchase prices for seed and milling varieties, aiming to encourage sustainable farming, protect farmers’ incomes, and reduce reliance on imports of strategic crops.

Officials expect procurement this season to exceed 100,000 tons, a development seen by agricultural experts as a clear message of government support for farmers and an effort to ease rising production costs. Experts stressed that linking financial incentives with agricultural research and improving productivity per unit of land will be essential for achieving long-term food security goals.

The decision was widely welcomed by farmers, who view it as a step toward more stable and predictable income. At the same time, they emphasized the need for continued support through modern farming techniques, extension services, and technological solutions to boost yields and reduce costs.

Experts told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that announcing procurement prices ahead of the planting season helps farmers make informed decisions and plan their production more effectively. This approach, they said, strengthens confidence in the agricultural sector, encourages investment, and supports the expansion of cultivated areas, contributing to national food security and reducing exposure to global price fluctuations.

The Director-General of the Jordan Farmers Union, Mahmoud Al-Awran, praised the decision as a strong form of support for field crop farmers, noting that it reflects government commitment to food security and agricultural investment. He said that with expected production reaching around 110,000 tons and the announced pricing structure, farmers are better positioned to invest in and expand cultivation.

He added that improved rainfall this season has increased yields, encouraging farmers to expand wheat and barley cultivation and use barley for livestock feed, reducing dependence on imported feed. He also called for greater scientific research into rain-fed agriculture to further improve productivity.

University of Jordan professor Ayed Al-Abdallat described the support for wheat and barley farmers as a direct investment in national food security. He noted that although local production remains below national consumption needs, any increase in output helps reduce import dependency and strengthens resilience against global supply disruptions.

He explained that Jordan imports large quantities of wheat and barley annually to maintain a strategic stock sufficient for long periods in light of supply chain disruptions. Jordan consumes about one million tons of wheat annually to cover bread consumption, and although local production covers a limited percentage, reaching wheat production of 50 thousand tons would cover about 5 percent of consumption, which is an important percentage given the limited water resources and reliance on rainfed agriculture.

Al-Abdallat also pointed to broader economic benefits, including support for the livestock sector, reduction in imported feed costs, and added value through traditional food industries. He stressed the importance of improving seed varieties, modern farming techniques, and knowledge transfer to farmers through training and research institutions.

Meanwhile, Emad Ayasrah, head of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship and Innovation Association, said strengthening domestic production of strategic crops is essential for national food security. He highlighted opportunities for innovation in smart storage, grain processing, logistics, and agri-tech solutions.

He added that expanding production could stimulate startups in agricultural services, transport, packaging, and digital solutions, creating new job opportunities and supporting rural development.

He also emphasized the importance of partnerships between farmers, government institutions, the private sector, and research centers to enhance innovation and align with national economic goals.

//Petra//WH