Economic Modernisation Vision calls for establishing food security research centre

AMMAN — Arable land in Jordan suffers from scarce water and insufficient resources as the agriculture sector has been subject to the repercussions of climate change, according to the Economic Modernisation Vision document.

The agricultural sector, which is considered the main source of living in Jordan, consumes more than 50 per cent of the Kingdom’s water supply, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

The low production and high costs negatively impact the Kingdom’s ability to meet its high food demand. 

Two strategies have been recently launched to achieve food security: The national food security strategy 2021-2030 and the national plan for sustainable development 2022-2025.

The Economic Modernisation Vision document shows that the agriculture sector contributes to some JD1.5 billion (4.9 per cent) of the GDP and employs around 76,000 workers that constitute some 5.5 per cent of the total workforce.

The GDP for each workers stands at JD19,500, which is three per cent higher than the average, where exports stand at JD800 million (six per cent of the total exports).

The document’s priorities for the agricultural and food security sector are to transform the Kingdom into a regional centre for agricultural production, while ensuring the sustainability of food security to meet the current and future local food needs.

The document also recommends that efforts should be made to reduce agricultural and food waste through digital mechanisms to sustain food security. 

The document suggested establishing an institution specialised in food security and a national centre for food security research.