Amman, June 10 (Petra) – The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
on Wednesday launched the innovative AGRI-FIT project in Jordan,
titled “Promoting Inclusive Agriculture in Jordan through Accessible
Soilless Farming and Economic Empowerment of Persons with
Disabilities.”

The project aims to promote inclusive agricultural practices and
expand economic opportunities for persons with disabilities.

FAO Project Manager and AGRI-FIT initiator Engineer Imad Quraan said
the project introduces an innovative soilless farming system
specifically designed to enable persons with disabilities to
participate effectively in the agricultural sector.

Speaking to the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Quraan explained that the
idea emerged following a visit by a group of persons with
disabilities to the FAO office in Jordan, where they inquired about
opportunities to engage in agriculture, a sector that remains largely
inaccessible due to the limitations of traditional farming systems.

He said that the FAO office in Jordan secured a grant from the
organisation’s Innovation Office to implement the initiative, which
is the first project of its kind globally and is being prepared for
expansion to other countries.

Quraan said the project team initially cultivated several crops,
including tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, peas and watermelons to
identify the most viable options from a market perspective.

The system utilises hydroponic technology and automated drip
irrigation with water recycling, enabling efficient production while
conserving resources.

“In an area less than half the size of a greenhouse, we produced
approximately 500 kilograms of cucumbers in one month using only 15
cubic meters of water,” he said.

He added that the project focuses on developing innovative,
accessible farming solutions that empower persons with disabilities
to actively participate in agricultural production, while promoting
economic empowerment, improving livelihoods and strengthening social
inclusion in line with national priorities and the Sustainable
Development Goals.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Development Barq Dmour
said the project reflects Royal directives, the Economic
Modernisation Vision and Jordan’s commitment to safeguarding the
rights of all people, including persons with disabilities.

He said the ministry supports initiatives that economically empower
persons with disabilities and create opportunities for their active
participation in the development process.

FAO Acting Representative Paul Opio said the initiative goes beyond
providing a technical solution.

“This project demonstrates that when we listen to and collaborate
with persons with disabilities in developing innovative solutions, we
can unlock their potential and transform lives,” he said.

“Agriculture is a cornerstone of livelihoods, yet it often remains
inaccessible. Through this project, we are proving that innovation
can make agriculture accessible to everyone and ensure that no one is
left behind.”

Mohammed Sarjan, President of the Future Club for Persons with
Physical Disabilities, described the initiative as a platform for
hope, empowerment and independence.

“Today, we are not simply opening a plant nursery; we are creating a
space that promotes opportunity and inclusion,” he said, adding that
the project demonstrates that disability is not a barrier to
contributing to society when the right environment and support
systems are in place.

The AGRI-FIT project forms part of broader efforts to advance
inclusive development and create sustainable economic opportunities
for persons with disabilities through innovation and accessible
agricultural technologies.

//Petra// AK