The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Water in Jordan has advocated for augmented support for the agriculture sector, encompassing both plant and livestock domains, due to their contribution to the national economy and job creation. In a meeting attended by key figures including Agriculture Minister Khaled Al-Hunaifat and Finance Minister Abdul-Hakim Al-Shibli, discussions focused on bolstering livestock farmers and mitigating feed costs.
Al-Hunaifat underscored the agricultural sector's role in securing food and urged for sustained farmer support amidst prevailing challenges to ensure continuous production. He revealed that the sector's output surpassed one billion dinars in 2024, with the government extending 120 million dinars annually in support of livestock breeders via barley distribution and efforts to decrease feed prices.
Further, Al-Hunaifat detailed the ministry's strategy for enhancing the support framework through fairer distribution systems, modernizing irrigation methods, and increasing renewable energy usage in agriculture. Plans for a citrus fruit packaging and cooling center were also disclosed, aiming at boosting market competitiveness.
Dana Al-Zoubi, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, highlighted collaboration with the Agriculture Ministry to aid livestock breeders in feed procurement, acknowledging the challenge of soaring global barley prices.
The committee concluded with recommendations to amplify feed allocation per livestock, cut feed costs, oversee distribution centers, postpone farmers' loans, and revise the Farmers' Union Law, aiming at bolstering the sector's sustainability and economic contribution.
Source: Roya News