JoSME Selected Crops
DATES (Phoenix dactylifera)
The most important palm cultivars grown in Jordan are the Medjool and Barhi, where these two types represent 85% of total cultivated palm trees. The cultivar Medjool is considered worldwide one of the best cultivar for its size and particular taste. The date production system in Jordan involves about 500 SMEs. Referring to JODA, Currently the sector employs about 7,000 persons (permanent and temporary), of which about 35% are women.
POMEGRANATES (Punica granatum)
The pomegranate tree is considered one of the most ancient fruit trees in Jordan, and its cultivation is spread in various regions of the Kingdom of different geographical characteristics. Its plantation extends north from 200 meters below sea level to the rift valley, inland, heights, and the wider parts of Eastern Badia. The cultivation is concentrated in Governorates of Irbid, Ajloun, Tafileh, and Balqa.
ALMOND (Prunus amygdalus)
In Jordan the maximum surface of cultivation of almond was reached in 1967 with 3,130 Ha, but at that time the yield was lower (from 1.2 to 3 ton/Ha according with FAOSTAT data) than the current one. According with the Jordanian Department of Statistic, in 2019 were cultivated almond in 363 Ha with a production of 1,409 tons (3.9 ton/Ha),while in 2010, similar surface was cultivated (313 Ha) with a production of 2,419 tons (7.7 ton/Ha).
GUAVA (Psidium guajava)
Since the middle of the 20th century the cultivation of guava was extended to Jordan and currently is planted in about 350 Ha with a country production of about 2,900 tons. Great part of the production is concentrated in Irbid Governorate.
PRICKLY PEAR (Opuntia ficus-indica)
The plantation of prickly pear in Jordan started 60 years ago, by importing the cladodes from nearby countries. During that period, it was planted as hedges around homes and fruit tree fields. During the last 20 years it was planted as sole cropping under extensive cropping system in the semi-arid areas in the middle of Jordan.
