(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Ajloun, Oct. 23 (Petra) -- Agricultural experts and farmers in Ajloun have called for greater investment in the governorate's unutilized agricultural lands to enhance food security, economic growth, and sustainable rural development, taking advantage of the area's favorable climate and fertile soil as outlined in the comprehensive development plan extending to 2040.
Nabil Al-Samadi, a lawyer and member of the "Environment Unites Us" initiative, said Ajloun's diverse environmental and climatic conditions make it highly suitable for agricultural investments. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors and supporting community-based initiatives to ensure better utilization of idle lands.
Farmer Muntaser Al-Ananzeh noted that the high cost of reclaiming rocky and rugged lands discourages many farmers from using them. He urged the provision of grants and soft loans to help farmers expand agricultural production and improve their livelihoods. He added that improving irrigation infrastructure and securing reliable water sources are essential for maximizing agricultural potential.
Chairman of the Ajloun Farmers Union, Munib Al-Samadi, highlighted several successful agricultural trials in the governorate, including the cultivation of tropical fruits and aromatic plants, which have demonstrated strong economic returns. He called for establishing food processing factories such as facilities for cooling, juicing, and drying fruit to add value to local produce and increase farmers' income.
Farmer Mohammad Freihat shared his experience reclaiming five dunums of land for citrus farming through a loan from the Agricultural Credit Corporation (ACC), noting that financial support enabled him to prepare the land and purchase essential farming supplies.
Ajloun Agriculture Director, Engineer Rami Al-Adwan, stated that the governorate currently has about 100,000 dunums of cultivated agricultural land, with forests covering 34 percent of its total area of 419 square kilometers. Of this, 82,000 dunums are planted with olive trees and 21,000 dunums with citrus, grapes, and other fruits.
He noted that 53 percent of the arable land remains unutilized, representing a major opportunity for agricultural development. Current government projects include land reclamation, well drilling, lining irrigation channels, and reforestation in areas such as Rajeb and Kafranga.
Al-Adwan added that food security projects have reclaimed 67 dunums, dug 19 water-harvesting wells, and lined nearly five kilometers of irrigation channels, increasing the efficiency of water use and improving productivity.
Bashar Al-Nawafleh, Director of the Agricultural Credit Corporation in Ajloun, said the institution prioritizes financing projects that invest in unutilized lands. The ACC has provided JD 1.9 million in loans benefiting 422 farmers across the governorate. The loans support land development, livestock and poultry farming, and agro-industrial ventures.
He added that the corporation also focuses on training farmers in modern irrigation and agricultural techniques while empowering rural women and youth through innovative financing solutions that promote sustainable agricultural investment and help reduce poverty and unemployment.

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