NARC conducts scientific day for Horticulture Research Directorate

AMMAN — The National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC), hosted a scientific day for horticulture research, bringing together scientists, experts and researchers in the horticulture field.

In his keynote address, NARC Director General Nizar Haddad expressed his pride in the achievements of the Horticultural Research Directorate, noting that the horticulture constitutes 75 per cent of the total area of the agricultural sector. 

He called for reinforcing national efforts to develop the sector and discover innovative solutions to the challenges facing the sector, a statement from NARC said.

Horticultural research has become the core of addressing climate challenges through the deployment of tropical crops that have lower water demands and a high market value, he said.

Haddad also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of research staff in the disseminating oil from perennial olive trees, which has been introduced to most global cuisines.

The Dean of Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Jordan, Safwan Al Sheyab, expressed his appreciation for NARC's contributions to agricultural research and the empowerment of workers in the sector, also commending the centre’s active partnership with the University of Jordan on many agricultural endeavours.

Former minister of agriculture Rida Shibli said that NARC has become a regional centre for the development of scientific research, and plays a prominent role in introducing modern technology and smart applications to the sector.

Director of the Horticultural Research Directorate at NARC, Salam Ayoub, detailed the research conducted by the centre, including research in vegetables, olives, post-harvesting processes, fruit trees, organic agriculture research and palm trees, all of which contribute to increased production and help provide solutions to the challenges facing the agricultural sector.