jordan pulse -

​Food security expert Dr. Fadel Al-Zu'bi stated that while Jordan's strategic wheat reserves cover roughly nine and a half months, local grain production meets only about 10% of the Kingdom's total consumption needs. He called for structural measures beyond stockpiling to address vulnerabilities in the national food ecosystem.
​According to data released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade in early August, wheat reserves stand at 610,000 tons physically available, with an additional 302,000 tons in transit or awaiting delivery, while barley stocks cover a similar 9.5-month period. Meanwhile, reserves for other basic commodities—such as rice, sugar, and edible oils—cover approximately four months. Al-Zu'bi emphasized that strategic stocks act primarily as a logistical time buffer rather than a permanent security guarantee, given their reliance on foreign currency reserves, maritime shipping routes, and the single seaport at Aqaba.
​Regarding domestic yield, Al-Zu'bi noted that the 2026 season was exceptional in terms of rainfall distribution between November and April, with grain output reaching approximately 150,000 tons—a increase of over 50% compared to the five-year average, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). However, this production covers only 25 to 30 days of national consumption, leaving estimated import requirements for the 2026/2027 marketing year at nearly 3 million tons.
​Al-Zu'bi added that overall self-sufficiency across agricultural commodities stands at around 62%, supported by surpluses in poultry and eggs alongside robust capacity in dairy and vegetables, following a 7.4% growth rate in the agricultural sector during 2025. Nevertheless, this output remains dependent on imported animal feed, imported energy, and depleted groundwater. He highlighted feed security as the hidden backbone of food security, noting that supply disruptions could halt poultry, meat, and dairy production within weeks.
​To enhance food security beyond physical storage, Al-Zu'bi advocated for diversifying land and sea import corridors, distributing storage infrastructure geographically, entering into long-term sovereign supply agreements, and expanding strategic reserves to include animal feed, seeds, and fertilizers. He also emphasized adopting water-efficient cultivation methods, expanding rainwater harvesting in the Badia, and reducing household food waste—noting that the average Jordanian wastes 81 kilograms of food annually. He concluded by pointing to the Arab Food Security Plan adopted at the 2025 Baghdad Summit as a key mechanism for regional food partnerships.
​Source: Rum News Agency