(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Food production in Jordan has increased by 23.8 per cent over the past decade (2013-2022), according to data from the Food Budget Survey, which highlights a steady increase in both agricultural and industrial food production.

The Department of Statistics (DoS) reported on Wednesday that its latest annual study showed significant progress towards self-sufficiency, especially in deficit crops such as potatoes, onions and carrots. Previously, these crops were heavily dependent on imports to meet local demand.

On the occasion of World Food Day, the DoS stressed that food security is now one of the main challenges facing Jordan and a key priority in the Royal directives to increase self-sufficiency in agricultural production and strengthen resilience to challenges related to the global food supply chain, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The department is also launching the Jordanian Food Security Platform later this month, an initiative that aims to achieve a key objective of the National Food Security Strategy.

The platform aims to provide accurate and reliable data, including up-to-date statistics on food production, consumption, markets and resources to help decision-makers in planning for the Kingdom's food security and self-sufficiency.

Jordan joins several countries around the world in celebrating World Food Day, which falls on October 16 each year, a day established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to raise awareness about hunger and malnutrition, while promoting international cooperation for food security and ensuring access to safe and sustainable food for all.

This year's FAO theme: "The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future", calls on governments, NGOs and local communities to raise awareness about nutrition and sustainable agriculture, especially in the face of global challenges posed by ongoing crises and conflicts.

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