Minister of Agriculture, Khaled Hneifat, on Thursday said the ministry is making continued efforts to provide an “appropriate” environment for local seed production companies, and overcome related obstacles. Launching a “Field Day” event, in the presence of Arab and foreign agents, Hneifat inaugurated laboratories of Amman-Based Universal Seed Company, affirming the ministry’s role to support and develop this sector. He said a total of 6 companies operate in the seed industry in 2011, adding that their production volume did not exceed 11 tonnes, to jump to 36 firms now that export their products to about 65 countries across the world. He noted the sector’s entrepreneurs were given opportunities to develop new varieties with “high” productivity, adding that some types tolerate various plant diseases, while other varieties are suitable for diverse agricultural environments. The Kingdom, he noted, hosts 9 experimental research and development offices for international companies, based on Jordanian expertise that proved its efficiency. Hneifat added that the ministry plays a “major” role in organizing seed production processes, registration, and quality control and regulates related trade and marketing operations, trading activities and provides an umbrella of laws, regulations, and instructions to protect “innovative” varieties and grant intellectual property. The ministry, in cooperation with the private sector, rehabilitated the laboratory of the Seed Technology Unit at the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC), and trained workers on seed tests, in preparation for Jordan’s accreditation as a member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), he pointed out. Hneifat said food security is an “essential” pillar of societal security, and therefore the farmer’s work is a “sacred” duty that deserves sacrifice and appreciation. Touring the experimental site and the production exhibition, he listened to the attendee’s interventions, who appreciated the ministry’s efforts in sponsoring and supporting the seed sector.

Source: Jordan News Agency