Zarqa, June 21 (Petra) – Minister of Government Communication and
Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Sunday announced a series
of Cabinet decisions, including increased allocations for wheat and
barley purchases, measures to support exchange companies, and
development projects in Zarqa Governorate.

Speaking at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting held in
Zarqa, Momani said the meeting reflected the government’s commitment
to implementing development priorities identified during His Majesty
King Abdullah II’s visit to the governorate last month and
translating them into tangible projects that improve services and
living conditions for residents.

He said the Cabinet reviewed progress in implementing Zarqa’s
comprehensive development vision, which was developed in partnership
with representatives from various sectors in the governorate and
includes 155 projects and programs over three years at an estimated
cost exceeding JD800 million.

Momani said the Cabinet approved the start of wheat and barley
purchases from the 2025/2026 agricultural season through the Ministry
of Industry, Trade and Supply’s open trading account, in coordination
with the Ministry of Agriculture and the Jordan Cooperative
Corporation.

He said the government allocated JD45 million for grain purchases,
compared with JD19 million last year, to procure an expected harvest
of between 100,000 and 110,000 tons, more than double last season’s
estimated production of 40,000 tons.

Under the decision, the purchase price for seed wheat was set at
JD520 per ton and seed barley at JD440 per ton, while the “Mawani”
variety will be purchased at JD420 per ton for wheat and JD370 per
ton for barley.

The Cabinet also extended the authority of the Central Grain
Purchasing Committee to announce purchase prices for the following
agricultural season immediately after the current delivery season
concludes, with the aim of helping farmers plan cultivation
activities and expand grain production.

In addition, the government decided to sell seeds to farmers for the
2026/2027 season at the same purchase prices while covering cleaning
and sterilization costs estimated at JD75 per ton.

Momani said the measures are intended to support farmers and
encourage the expansion of wheat and barley cultivation due to their
strategic importance to national food security.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the 2026 regulation governing
the licensing of exchange companies, granting existing firms a grace
period until January 1, 2028, to regularize their status.

Momani said the amendments include incentives aimed at easing
regulatory and financial requirements and providing greater
flexibility for companies to diversify activities and revenue
streams, strengthening their financial position and competitiveness.

He added that the decision is intended to preserve the stability of
the exchange sector, maintain employment, and ensure the continued
provision of services throughout the Kingdom.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Zaha Cultural Center
Regulation for 2026 to strengthen the legal and administrative
framework governing the center’s operations and support its expanding
role in serving children and communities across the Kingdom.

In addition, the Cabinet approved recommendations by the Committee
for Settling Outstanding Issues between Taxpayers and the Income and
Sales Tax Department, resolving the tax status of 710 companies and
taxpayers with pending obligations under the Income Tax Law and
General Sales Tax Law.

The move is expected to support economic activity and help businesses
meet their legal obligations.

Regarding Zarqa-specific decisions, Momani said the Cabinet approved
the allocation of 20 dunams of forest land for the construction of a
military culture school affiliated with the Jordan Armed Forces in
the Birin District.

Momani also addressed the implementation of death sentences against
individuals convicted in terrorism and drug trafficking cases after
all stages of litigation had been completed and the rulings became
final.

He said the decision reflects the rule of law and serves justice for
members of the Jordan Armed Forces and security agencies who died in
the line of duty in defense of the Kingdom’s security and stability.

Responding to questions on the Zarqa Free Zone, Momani said recent
government decisions related to automobiles were taken to protect
consumers and improve quality standards, stressing that the measures
would remain in place to safeguard the public interest and maintain
market balance.

//Petra// AJ