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A Transformational Shift in Agriculture
International food security expert Dr. Fadel ElZubi stated that Jordan’s agricultural sector is undergoing a transformational shift with the move toward launching a comprehensive national digital platform. This platform is designed to empower farmers and enhance the sustainability of food production through smart tools that integrate guidance, marketing, epidemic reporting, and connections to financial institutions.
He emphasized that this platform represents a strategic leap in modernizing agriculture, offering farmers a single gateway to access integrated services that simplify operations and boost efficiency.
While Jordan is still in the early stages of digital agriculture, Dr. ElZubi noted that recent years have witnessed promising initiatives—such as the “20 Dunums for Climate-Smart Agriculture” project led by the National Agricultural Research Center in collaboration with international organizations. This initiative helped hundreds of farmers adopt modern techniques for key crops like vegetables and olives. These early experiences reflect growing awareness of the role agricultural technology plays in addressing climate change, reducing costs, and improving productivity.
However, the main challenge lies in scaling these efforts across all governorates. This requires investment in digital infrastructure, financial and technical incentives for farmers, and the development of a national database that links production, guidance, financing, and marketing.
Dr. ElZubi stressed that advancing these efforts demands broader public-private partnerships and ongoing practical training to ensure Jordan transitions from pilot projects to a full-scale digital transformation—one that strengthens food security and positions the country as a regional leader.
Smart Tools for Farmers
Through digital agricultural extension, farmers will gain access to interactive content and practical lessons on best practices in water and soil management, pest control, and the latest agricultural technologies.
On the marketing front, the platform will open new horizons for farmers to reach consumers and markets—locally and regionally—reducing reliance on intermediaries and increasing financial returns.
The epidemic and pest reporting feature will serve as a vital early warning tool, allowing farmers to submit real-time alerts about disease outbreaks, enabling rapid intervention and minimizing losses.
Connecting farmers to financial institutions through digital profiles documenting their production history will improve access to loans and support, empowering them to invest in farm development.
Strategic Impact on National Food Security
Dr. ElZubi emphasized that this initiative goes beyond improving agricultural performance—it has a strategic impact on national food security. It enhances production efficiency, promotes transparency in supply chains, and accelerates crisis response, such as during droughts or disease outbreaks.
He reiterated that the platform is a tool to empower small-scale farmers to enter the digital economy, ensuring a fairer distribution of opportunities.
Launching the national digital agricultural platform places Jordan in an advanced regional position in smart agriculture. It reflects a direct investment in food security and the global competitiveness of Jordanian agricultural products. Dr. ElZubi concluded that this is not merely a technical tool, but a strategic project that connects farmers, markets, financial institutions, and regulatory bodies in one integrated network—transforming agriculture from a traditional sector into a smart, future-ready system that ensures sustainable food for generations to come.