The Ministry of Investment has unveiled a soilless agriculture project on the “Invest in Jordan” platform, with an investment worth $4 million. The initiative aims to implement advanced agricultural techniques like hydroponics and aeroponics.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Ministry of Investment emphasized that this technology will play a crucial role in reducing water consumption in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the project will enhance the quality and productivity of key crops, including cucumbers, barley, and thyme. The selection of these crops was based on local market demand and supply.
The ministry outlined that the project’s products will be distributed across central markets, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals. Moreover, the implementation of the project is expected to generate 60 employment opportunities at the proposed site located in the Al-Jiza area, renowned for its favorable climatic conditions, situated south of Amman.
Soilless agriculture, an efficient plant cultivation method, involves replacing natural soil with growth media or solid materials such as volcanic ash, perlite, charcoal, and sand. Essential nutrients for plants are delivered through a nutrient solution.
By adopting soilless agriculture methods, diversification of agricultural options and products becomes feasible, supporting market demands and fortifying the sector against the impacts of climate change. These techniques enable meticulous control over water quantities, nutrients, and environmental conditions, resulting in maximized production and water conservation for irrigation purposes.
Hydroponics facilitates water savings of approximately 70-80% in irrigation, while aeroponics surpasses that figure by conserving about 90%. Additionally, soilless agriculture offers shorter crop cycles, enabling lettuce, for example, to be grown within 25-30 days compared to the 60-70 days required by traditional soil-based agriculture. Moreover, soilless agriculture boasts higher production rates and reduced reliance on pesticides.
The project in Jordan harnesses several key advantages, primarily its diverse climate. The country’s climatic conditions allow agricultural production at various times of the year and the possibility of cultivating certain crops outside their natural seasons under natural conditions. This facilitates year-round production without prolonged overlapping periods.
Jordan boasts robust infrastructure for agricultural and secondary roads, international transportation, cold storage facilities, wholesale markets, grading, and packaging centers, as well as comprehensive communication networks and information systems.
Furthermore, Jordan’s geographical proximity to major agricultural consumption markets in the Arab Gulf and Europe provides a competitive advantage over other producers.
The proposed project will require an area spanning between 150,000 to 200,000 square meters. Approximately 50,000 square meters will be allocated for soilless agriculture, while the remaining space will be designated for buildings and warehouses.
Source: Jordan News Agency