Jordan’s agricultural exports experienced a significant 25.3 percent increase from January to May, bolstered by government-implemented irrigation techniques and modern farming practices. This surge raised national agricultural revenues from foreign trade to 500 million Jordanian dinars ($705 million), highlighting the sector’s robust growth, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.
Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hunaifat attributed this growth primarily to the export of fruits and vegetables, which climbed to 178,000 tons in the first five months of 2024, marking a 32 percent year-on-year increase. The export value of these products reached 125.5 million dinars, a 22.3 percent rise compared to the same period in 2023.
Despite a domestic market of over 11 million consumers, Jordan imports nearly 98 percent of its food, including staples like rice, frozen chicken, and fresh apples, per the US International Trade Administration. Nevertheless, government initiatives aimed at improving irrigation and adopting modern farming methods have significantly enhanced agricultural productivity.
As a result, the value of vegetable exports rose by 19 percent, driven by a 27 percent increase in volume to 130,000 tons by May compared to the previous year. Similarly, fruit exports saw a 29.5 percent increase in value, with volumes rising to 48,000 tons, a 48 percent year-on-year increase.
The minister also noted a remarkable 259 percent rise in the value of live animal exports, reaching 44.2 million dinars by the end of May. This growth is linked to the export of 220,000 live sheep, a 260 percent increase over the same period in 2023.
Jordan’s agriculture sector, contributing 5.9 percent to the gross domestic product, has faced challenges such as water scarcity. To combat these, the government has expanded support for agricultural research and development, improving crop yields and pest resistance. Additionally, subsidies for export logistics and partnerships with international markets have been pivotal in boosting export volumes.
