The Minister of Agriculture, Eng. Khaled Al-Hunaifat, said today, Thursday, that the ministry is making unremitting efforts to provide the appropriate environment for local seed production companies, and to overcome the obstacles they face.

Al-Hunaifat said during his sponsorship today, Thursday, of a “field day” in the presence of Arab and foreign agents, during which he opened the laboratories of the Universal Seed Production Company, that the ministry seeks to support and develop this sector, in which the number of companies operating in it was 6 companies in 2011, the amount of its production did not exceed 11 tons, to become Today, there are 36 companies that export their products to about 65 countries around the world.

He pointed out that innovators were given opportunities to develop new varieties with high productivity, varieties that tolerate endemic and emerging diseases, and others that are suitable for diverse agricultural environments.

And he indicated that the Kingdom hosts 9 research and experimental development offices for international companies, based on Jordanian expertise that has proven its efficiency.

He added that the ministry plays a major role in organizing production processes, registration, and quality control of seeds, and regulates trade and marketing operations, trading and use operations, and provides an umbrella of laws, regulations, and instructions to protect innovative varieties and grant intellectual property.

He noted that the ministry, in cooperation with the private sector, has rehabilitated the laboratory of the Seed Technology Unit at the National Center for Agricultural Research, and trained cadres on seed tests, in preparation for Jordan’s accreditation as a member of the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).

Al-Hanaifat stressed that food security is an essential pillar of societal security, and therefore the farmer’s work is a sacred duty that deserves sacrifice and appreciation.

Al-Hanifat inspected the experimental site and the production exhibition, and listened to the interventions of the attendees, who appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture in sponsoring and supporting the seed sector.