According to Jordanian agriculture experts, effective development programs, technological innovation and e-commerce are crucial tools for an agriculture-led growth. This week, the President of Jordan Valley Farmers Union, Adnan Khaddam, stated that ‘in order to overcome the most pressing issues facing farmers in Jordan, it is imperative that we start implementing programs focusing on high agricultural potential areas so that we can increase the sector’s resilience to current challenges and future shocks.’
The primary objectives of such programs should be directed towards boosting sector productivity and improving agricultural products’ market access, as well as prioritizing climate adaptation, he said. He added that current leading agricultural exports include tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers.
According to the Green Growth National Action Plan for the years 2021-2025, agriculture-based revenues are critical to Jordan’s economy, contributing approximately 28 percent of GDP and constituting nearly 18 percent of exports.
Forecasting farmers’ situation in 2024, Khaddam said that agri-business costs will most probably continue to increase. In this regard, the 2021-2025 plan indicated that despite government subsidization and compensation programs such as water subsidies, costs are significantly growing.
Source: jordantimes.com