Baqa’a, Feb. 9 (Petra) – Director General of the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), Khaled Abu Hamour, met on Sunday with the Director of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change Programs at the European Union Mission in Jordan, Omar Abu Eid, and Public Sector Development Project Officer, Nizar Awad, to discuss the NARC’s achievements in advancing scientific research and applying research findings to address challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The meeting covered key issues such as climate change, water management, and technology transfer during the second half of 2024.

Abu Hamour emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation and partnership with the European Union, highlighting its role in supporting the NARC’s various programs and activities. These initiatives have significantly contributed to the development of the agricultural sector and the achievement of comprehensive agricultural development through EU-funded programs at the center’s research stations and facilities. These programs include green economy initiatives, climate change adaptation, and environmental sustainability, alongside efforts to build national expertise, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and enhance food security.

He also highlighted the potential for collaboration with the EU in introducing environmentally friendly and cost-effective pest control methods. This initiative would pave the way for establishing a biological control research laboratory to produce beneficial organisms for combating economically harmful insect pests.

Additionally, Abu Hamour noted that the EU has approved several proposals under the TAIEX (Technical Assistance and Information Exchange Instrument) program, which facilitates the exchange of expertise between Jordanian researchers and European scientists from research centers and universities. The program also includes specialized workshops on climate change, biodiversity, seeds, and forestry, as well as study visits for researchers from the National Agricultural Research Center to EU institutions.

EU Officials Affirm Commitment to Agricultural Development

Abu Eid stated that the partnership with the center would have a tangible impact on the development of the agricultural sector and the introduction of modern agricultural technologies, ultimately benefiting the sector as a whole.

Meanwhile, Awad emphasized the need for the National Agricultural Research Center to serve as a hub for transferring agricultural knowledge and expertise through specialized training programs aimed at addressing challenges in the agricultural sector.

He also noted that most of the technical proposals submitted at the beginning of this year have been approved, with ongoing evaluations of additional proposals. These proposals focus on organizing workshops and bringing European experts to Jordan based on agricultural priorities and sectoral needs.

//Petra// AF
09/02/2025 21:47:43