Balqa, July 19 (Petra) –National Agricultural Research Center (NARC)
and the University of Florida, in partnership with the University of
Jordan, explored opportunities to develop research collaboration in
agricultural modeling, smart agriculture, and decision support tools.

This cooperation aims to enhance resilience of agricultural systems
to climate change, improve efficiency of natural resource management,
and bolster food security in Jordan.

Chaired by NARC Director General, Dr. Zakaria Musallam, the meeting
was attended by Dr. Gerrit Hochenbaum from the University of Florida,
Dr. Ayman Suleiman from the University of Jordan, Assistant Director
General for Research Affairs, Dr. Abeer Balawneh, and several
directors and researchers specializing in environment, climate
change, water, soil, and field crops.

According to a NARC statement, discussions focused on integrating
agricultural models and climate data to assess crop responses to
climatic conditions and various management practices.

The participants also addressed ways to develop scientific decision
support tools to assist researchers, policymakers, and farmers in
selecting the “most efficient and appropriate” agricultural practices
for local conditions.

Additionally, the meeting explored opportunities for joint research
projects, exchange of expertise and researchers, and capacity
building.

It focused on developing scientific expertise in implementing
agricultural models and digital technologies, as well as preparing
joint research for publication in peer-reviewed scientific journals
and developing competitive proposals for international funding.

Concluding the discussions, attendees committed to continued
technical coordination among research teams to identify priority
issues, exchange data and scientific knowledge, and forge feasible
joint research activities and proposals.

These initiatives will combine global expertise with local knowledge
and existing research infrastructure, which would support national
capacity building and enhance Jordan’s presence in international
agricultural research and innovation networks.

//Petra// AG