Amman, April 28 (Petra) -- Agriculture Minister Khaled Hanafat said on Monday appointing Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan as chair of the Food Security Council (FSC) is a strategic decision that underlines the government's interest in boosting the national food security system and raising coordination between relevant institutions and entities.

"This step is an indication that food security is a sovereign priority that requires direct follow-up at the highest levels," he told Petra in an interview, clarifying that the decision will help accelerate procedures, unify national efforts, and steer agricultural, food production, imports, and strategic storage policies.

The minister said the FSC will review national plans and bolster partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and relevant international organizations towards self-sufficiency, and will improve the national capacity to address global crises and challenges, top of which are market fluctuations, global supply chains, and climate change.

Hanifat said his ministry and relevant institutions will continue to provide technical and logistical support to the council, adding that the next phase will see the launch of new initiatives and projects to boost local production, stimulate investment in the agricultural sector, and improve the management of natural resources, especially water and agricultural land.

He said the prime minister's chairmanship of the council will enhance Jordan's status as a regional model for food security management in line with the Economic Modernization Vision, the Administrative Modernization Roadmap, and national efforts to achieve sustainable development.

The minister stressed that the government is implementing programs to achieve sustainable food security, maintain the stability of prices, provide safe and sufficient food to all citizens, and enhance the resilience of the agricultural sector despite challenges.

//Petra//SS

28/04/2025 14:49:46