AMMAN — The Ministry of Agriculture, in cooperation with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), has implemented an intensive labour programme involving green projects and forestation,.

In a report carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat said that the project will plant trees in around 200 acres in Ajloun, Karak, Tafileh, Balqa and Jerash governorates, with the aim of employing local labour and increasing green space.

Funded by the ILO with around $1 million. the project also seeks to cultivate suitable trees for each location

According to Nimer Haddadin, the ministry’s spokesperson, about 100 job opportunities will be created in each cycle, and each phase will last for almost three months, stressing that the project is temporary.

“We believe that it is a good thing for the unemployed to have a salary for three months. No matter how much the salary is, it is still an income, which is good,” Haddadin added.

When asked about women’s role in the project, Haddadin said that 10 per cent of the job opportunities is allocated for women. In addition, he said that 3 per cent of job opportunities are reserved for people with disabilities.

Haddadin also said “this is a new project; we hope it works out well, and hopefully it will be a gateway to future cooperation with more international organisations”.

Labour intensive is an international system that uses labour without machines in order to improve societies and create job opportunities within environmental and productive projects.