Total exports of fruits and vegetables surged to 178,000 tons, a 32% annual increase Despite a market of over 11 million consumers, the country imports nearly 98% of its food RIYADH: Jordan’s agricultural exports saw an annual growth of 25.3 percent from January to the end of May, driven by government-implemented irrigation techniques and modern farming practices. This growth has propelled national agricultural revenues from foreign trade to 500 million Jordanian dinars ($705 million), showcasing the field’s ongoing expansion, the Jordan News Agency, known as Petra, reported. The country’s Minister of Agriculture, Khaled Hunaifat, said this growth is largely due to the total exports of fruits and vegetables, which surged to 178,000 tons in the first five months of 2024, a 32 percent annual increase. He added that the value of fruit and vegetable exports rose to 125.5 million dinars, marking a 22.3 percent increase from the start of the year to the end of May compared to the same period in 2023. Jordan’s agriculture sector, a crucial economic pillar, provides sustenance, employment, and export revenue. Despite a market of over 11 million consumers, the country imports nearly 98 percent of its food, including rice, frozen chicken, and fresh apples, according to the US International Trade Administration. However, targeted government initiatives, including improved irrigation and modern farming practices, have bolstered productivity. This resulted in a 19 percent increase in the value of vegetable exports, driven by a 27 percent rise in volume to 130,000 tons by May compared to the previous year. Similarly, fruit exports experienced a boost, with their value rising by 29.5 percent in comparison to the same period in the previous year. The cumulative quantity of fruit exports reached 48,000 tons, marking a 48 percent increase over the previous year. The minister also highlighted a notable surge in the value of live animal exports, which skyrocketed to 44.2 million dinars — a 259 percent increase until the end of May compared to last year. This rise is linked to the cumulative export of live sheep, which hit 220,000 heads, reflecting a 260 percent increase over the same period in 2023. The sector, which contributes 5.9 percent to the country’s gross domestic product, has faced challenges due to water scarcity. The government has also expanded support for agricultural research and development, enhancing crop yields and pest resistance. Subsidies for export logistics and partnerships with international markets have also played a crucial role in driving export volumes.