AMMAN — Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat said on Monday that the government has allocated JD45 million to purchase the local harvest from Jordanian farmers, compared to JD19 million last year. 

 

In a statement, Khreisat said that this year’s field crop season is highly promising, yielding positive results that have significantly boosted production volumes, particularly for wheat and barley.

 

The minister noted that the government is purchasing wheat and barley from local farmers at more than double the global market price.

 

“The move aims to support local farmers, incentivise them to expand the cultivation of strategic crops, and bolster national grain reserves, thereby contributing to achieving food security”, he added.

 

Khreisat also said that this season’s production is estimated to range between 100,000 and 110,000 tonnes, representing a substantial increase compared to previous years.

 

"This growth reflects the success of national policies designed to support the field crops sector and encourage farmers to expand cultivation, he added.

 

Regarding recent fires in certain agricultural areas, the minister stressed that they did not impact overall production volumes, as the damage did not exceed approximately 0.2 per cent (two per thousand) of the total harvest.

 

He pointed out that the ministry, in cooperation with competent authorities, investigated the causes of the fires and took all necessary measures to address them.

 

Khreisat emphasised that the ministry is proceeding with its programmes to support the field crops sector, including providing various forms of assistance to farmers, honouring their efforts, and encouraging them to further expand wheat and barley cultivation, given the strategic importance of these crops in enhancing national food security.