Amman:Agriculture Minister Saeb Khreisat has advocated for the expansion of agricultural research cooperation with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). The focus includes modern rainwater harvesting technologies and developing crop varieties that are tolerant to drought and salinity.
According to Jordan News Agency, during a meeting with ICARDA Director General Nizar Haddad, Khreisat emphasized that broader cooperation could facilitate technology transfer, the development of smart agricultural extensions, and the introduction of modern knowledge and technologies to farmers.
Khreisat also highlighted the need for joint training programs aimed at enhancing the skills of agricultural workers, developing rural communities, and increasing production efficiency. He noted that partnerships with international institutions and expertise centers, particularly ICARDA, are essential to the ministry's plans to improve natural resource use, agricultural production, and address issues such as water scarcity and climate change.
Additionally, Khreisat stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation to develop the national seed bank into a regional reference point. This includes preserving plant genetic resources, capacity building, training, and supporting joint research projects with ICARDA.
Haddad affirmed that ICARDA will continue to provide scientific and technical support to develop agricultural and food systems. The center aims to expand research innovations and modern technologies to tackle challenges in agriculture within the dry areas of the Arab region and the Middle East.
The meeting underscored a mutual interest in bolstering sustainable food security through modern technologies in agricultural systems and improving their resilience to climate change in the region.