Amman, Feb. 1 (Petra) – The Senate's Agriculture and Water Committee, chaired by Dr. Akef Zoubi, met on Sunday with Jordanian Association for Cut and Ornamental Plants President Mazen Ghalayini, to discuss the key challenges facing this vital sector.

Talking at the discussion, Zoubi emphasized the importance of this sector, which requires "effective" management, clear regulations, and enhanced coordination among various stakeholders to contribute to its development and sustainability.

Zoubi noted the meeting aimed to gain firsthand insight into the sector's current state and listen to its observations and demands, which would "ultimately" support the Kingdom's agricultural sector and strengthen its contribution to the national economy.

In turn, Ghalayini stated cultivation of cut flowers and ornamental plants is a "suitable and sustainable" sector in Jordan, given the Kingdom's "diverse" agricultural climates.

Ghalayini noted the industry's potential to generate high income, create job opportunities, and increase agricultural production.

Noting the sector's "significant" potential to contribute to strengthen the Jordanian economy, he cited the experience of the Netherlands, where this sector is a "major" source of income, reaching approximately 17 billion euros in six months, and Ethiopia's experience, which generated nearly JD27 million in a single day.

He added that the sector faces a slew of challenges, mainly high production costs, migration of specialized agricultural expertise, and lack of suitable and dedicated areas for farmers.

For their part, the committee members called for working to promote a culture of awareness within the community on this type of the floriculture industry and highlight its economic and environmental significance.

The senators stressed the need to activate the media's role in promoting this awareness and showcasing investment opportunities in this sector, which would support performance and empowerment and encourage youth engagement.

//Petra// AG