Field day organised to enhance cooperation in date palm sector

AMMAN — The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), in cooperation with the Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in the Near East and North Africa (AARINENA), on Saturday organised a field day titled “Enhancing the exchange of know-how to support agricultural creativity: Creativity platform for date palm”.

The day aims to enhance cooperation and communication among farmers, specialists and decision makers. The event was held with the participation of officials, farmers and investors as part of activities of the Research, Technology and Innovation Platform for the Date Palm Integrated Production System in Near East and North Africa region, which was recently launched by AARINENA and FAO. 

Executive Secretary of AARINENA Rida Khawaldeh reviewed the activities and efforts of the Jordan-based association that was established in 1985 with the aim to exchange knowledge, empower women, youth and small-scale farmers, transfer technology, enhance research and exchanging expertise, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

He also highlighted the importance of the platform for date palm cultivation in coordinating efforts for member states at the regional and international levels.

Jordan Dates Association President Anwar Haddad spoke about the importance of preserving quality and adopting healthy practices.

FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf noted that food security is among the top challenges facing the world, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian war and global energy hikes, stressing the significance of the platform in enhancing cooperation and facing this challenge.