An agricultural plan authored by Khaled Hneifat will offer zero-interest loans to aquaculture and other pioneering sectors that demonstrate significant growth. Actions proposed for the sector include creating marketing solutions to sell local fish, as well as overcoming difficulties faced by farmers, Hneifat said.
Fisheries and Marine Life Association president Mohamed Shaheen learned that the Agriculture Ministry has allocated JD10 million for no-interest loans as well as JD5 million for “youth loans”. Shaheen said that the fishing sector is working in partnership and cooperation, especially within the national sustainable agriculture plan, which creates an infrastructure that crosses sectors.
Tilapia species are semi-intensively produced in Jordan, the largest producer being Jordan Valley Fisheries (JVF). In the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea, the company operates a saltwater Tilapia farm. Lack of suitable sites and environmental concerns, namely nutrient enrichment from aquaculture on Jordan’s coral reefs, limit coastal aquaculture in Jordan.
Despite its capital-intensive nature, tilapia aquaculture has grown rapidly recently and could expand significantly more in the future. Commercial fishing contributes less than 0.01% to GDP. Intensive aquaculture farms are increasingly important socially and economically in rural areas, especially in areas of the Jordan valley.