Amman, June 18 (Petra) — Agriculture Minister Saeb Khraisat
discussed the progress of the Agricultural Resilience and Value Chain
Development and Innovation Program (ARDI) with a World Bank
delegation, reviewing achievements and prospects for the agricultural
sector.

The meetings, held as part of the World Bank mission for the ARDI
program funded by the bank, assessed agricultural cooperatives and
producer groups while reviewing implementation progress and completed
initiatives aimed at strengthening sustainable agricultural
development.

Khraisat highlighted key achievements under the program, including
water harvesting projects in Badia and farm areas, preparation of
tender documents for a national agricultural product traceability
system, and progress in improving procedures to combat foot-and-mouth
disease, alongside the development of agricultural extension
services.

He also pointed to efforts in training unemployed young men and women
and preparing them for agricultural professions, aimed at creating
job opportunities and supporting economic development in rural areas.

World Bank representatives reviewed progress in the ongoing
evaluation of agricultural cooperatives and producer groups in
Jordan, describing it as the first assessment of its kind in the
Middle East and North Africa region. They said the evaluation is
expected to improve value chains and enhance the productivity and
marketing efficiency of cooperatives.

The delegation commended Jordan’s achievements under the ARDI program
and praised efforts to meet environmental and social requirements in
line with international standards and best practices.

Khraisat reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to full cooperation
with the World Bank team, stressing the importance of maintaining
progress, overcoming challenges, and building on achievements to
ensure sustainable agricultural development.

//Petra// NQ