King inaugurates National Seed Bank

• Seed bank aims to store plants’ genetic data to preserve genetic diversity, ensure sustainability of food security
• Bank includes state-of-the-art laboratories, old seed samples, oldest of which dates back to 1927

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the National Seed Bank, affiliated with the National Agricultural Research Centre in Ain Al Basha, Balqa. 

The seed bank aims to store plants’ genetic data to preserve genetic diversity and ensure sustainability of agriculture and food security for future generations, a Royal Court statement said. 

His Majesty toured the seed bank and was briefed on how it seeks to improve the quality of seeds to contribute to the development of the agricultural sector and the production of new varieties.

The National Seed Bank includes state-of-the-art laboratories and old seed samples, the oldest of which dates back to 1927, to serve researchers and academics at universities and scientific research centres specialised in agricultural research and development.

 It aims to support agriculture in countering the effects of climate change, water scarcity, growing populations, and disruptions to global food systems and food supply chains by preserving crop diversity, and providing healthy and sustainable food, according to the seed bank’s acting director, Khaled Abu Hammour, the statement said. 

The National Seed Bank has seed storage rooms, drying, processing and testing facilities, and a storage capacity of 50,000 samples. Its cryogenic technology helps extend the viability of seeds from 10 years to 100 years in some plant species, ensuring continued agricultural life for generations to come. 

The seed bank was established at a cost of nearly JD3.8 million, including JD3 million in funding from the Hashemite University.

The seed bank was established as an extension of the seed storage unit created in 1993 at theNational Agricultural Research Centre, in line with the National Plan for Sustainable Agriculture (2022-2025) and National Food Security Strategy, which is within the Economic Modernisation Vision for Jordan’s agriculture sector, according to the statement. 

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, Agriculture Minister Khaled Hneifat, and President of the Hashemite University Khaled Hyari attended the inauguration.