NARC Converts Waste Into Protein, Combats Red Palm Weevil

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Jordan Valley, June 16 (Petra) – The National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) is pioneering scientific solutions to convert organic waste into animal protein and intensifying efforts to combat the red palm weevil as part of broader efforts to boost agricultural innovation and achieve food security through research.
NARC Director General Ibrahim Rawashdeh made the remarks Monday during a tour of the Deir Alla, Karameh, and Sharhabil Bin Hasnah research stations. The visit included a review of ongoing innovative projects and the announcement of findings from an advanced study on transforming organic waste into protein using black soldier fly larvae.
The project, conducted in collaboration with the Regional Center on Agrarian Reform and Rural Development for the Near East (CARDNE) and funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), tested a variety of agricultural and food waste combinations as larval feedstock to evaluate their impact on larval growth and bioconversion efficiency.
The findings showed that potato and tomato waste, date palm fronds, and banana leaves significantly enhanced larval growth and waste conversion, opening new possibilities for using this technique as a safe and sustainable source of animal protein while supporting organic waste management and circular economy practices.
Rawashdeh noted that a fully equipped laboratory has been established for in-depth analysis of the larvae and a dedicated unit was launched at the Deir Alla center for rearing and multiplying the black soldier fly, including preparation of feeding materials and monitoring life cycles.
He added that blending agricultural waste with leftover food from households, hotels, and restaurants improves the conversion of waste into larval protein and fats. However, the residue from the larvae contains organic matter and nitrogen and requires aerobic fermentation before it can be used as safe organic fertilizer.
The black soldier fly is considered a beneficial insect, Rawashdeh explained, as it neither stings nor harms humans during its roughly month-long life span. Globally, the species is used for converting waste into protein. It has been scientifically documented in Jordan under the name Jordanone in the NCBI database, with all related research in the country based on this local strain.
In parallel, Rawashdeh instructed research teams to intensify efforts to combat the red palm weevil due to its growing threat to date palms a strategic crop in Jordan and the wider region.
He also urged the development of the cactus, citrus, and date palm collections by introducing high-value, market-driven date varieties such as Sukkary, Mabroom, Sagai, Ajwa Al-Madina, Anbar, Safawi, Nabtat Ali, Khudrawi, and Sheeshi.
"We must invest in scientific research not only to produce food but also to protect it," Rawashdeh said. "Transforming waste into protein and combating the red palm weevil are two sides of the same vision for a safe and sustainable agricultural future."

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