Baqaa, January 6 (Petra) – The National Center for Agricultural Research announced advancements in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance palm cultivation and strengthen food security, aligning with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision.

The Director General of the Center, Khaled Abu Hammour, noted that the adoption of AI and other modern technologies marks a significant leap in agricultural development, particularly in addressing challenges like unregulated expansion, pests such as the red palm weevil, and marketing inefficiencies. He emphasized the role of AI in creating innovative solutions to support sustainable agricultural practices, thereby reinforcing national food security efforts.

Lubna Mahasneh, Head of the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Department, highlighted the launch of a national interactive platform driven by AI models. This platform, available for free via the Center’s website (www.narc.gov.jo/maps), accurately documents the locations, areas, and varieties of palm farms across the country. “The platform can be expanded to cover additional crops, ensuring sustainable support for the agricultural sector,” she added.

The AI-powered platform analyzes geographic data and high-resolution satellite imagery to map the geographic distribution of palm farms. Duaa Abu Hamour explained that this technology minimizes the cost and effort of field surveys while creating a comprehensive database. This database not only aids in pest management and production tracking but also provides detailed insights into value chains, enhancing farm operations and product marketing.

//Petra// AJ
06/01/2025 15:25:08