Amman, April 7 (Petra) -- Minister of Agriculture Saeb Abdul Halim Al-Khrisat said the ministry is implementing this year's water harvesting plan across around 40 sites, covering both construction and maintenance works, with a total storage capacity of approximately 1.5 million cubic meters, in coordination with the Jordan Valley Authority.

He described water harvesting as a strategic component of Jordan’s water management approach, noting that the projects aim to collect, store, and reuse rainwater, particularly in arid regions, helping to mitigate drought impacts and support long-term sustainability.

The projects are expected to provide essential water sources for livestock breeders, reducing supply costs and supporting the stability of pastoral communities, while also contributing to food security.

Al-Khrisat said water harvesting initiatives also support supplementary irrigation in the southern Jordan Valley and Wadi Araba, improving agricultural productivity without placing additional pressure on conventional water resources.

He added that such infrastructure contributes to groundwater recharge, supporting the recovery of natural springs and increasing water flow, while also enhancing biodiversity by creating water environments in arid and semi-arid areas.

The minister said water harvesting plays a key role in climate adaptation by reducing drought impacts, regulating surface runoff, and limiting flood risks, particularly following recent periods of intense rainfall.

He emphasized the importance of regular maintenance of water harvesting facilities based on technical assessments, as well as engaging local communities to ensure operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Recent rainfall has contributed to filling most water harvesting facilities in central and western regions of the Kingdom, strengthening preparedness for the agricultural season and supporting national water reserves.

//Petra// RZ