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The Ajloun Governorate in Jordan is gearing up for a promising olive season, with production forecasts reaching approximately 43,000 tons of fruit. This anticipated yield is backed by comprehensive preparations across groves and milling facilities, alongside rigorous agricultural interventions designed to mitigate pest risks and ensure premium olive oil quality.
Eng. Sitan Al-Sarhan, Director of Agriculture in Ajloun, stated that olive cultivation spans roughly 86,000 dunams in the province. He noted that the annual rainfall, averaging 600 mm, significantly enhanced tree health and boosted early production indicators. Al-Sarhan highlighted that the directorate has deployed specialized committees to inspect olive oil mills, ensuring strict adherence to technical, health, and environmental standards.
Regarding pest management, Al-Sarhan detailed the distribution of over 6,000 nutritional and pheromone traps as part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy. He urged farmers to cease the use of chemical pesticides in the period leading up to the harvest to prevent chemical residues and maintain the integrity of the oil, following official technical recommendations.
From a field perspective, local farmer Ratib Al-Qudah confirmed that current efforts are focused on land preparation and monitoring fruit maturity. Meanwhile, mill owner Abdullah Al-Shuwayyat emphasized that maintaining oil quality depends heavily on harvest methods and the logistics of transporting fruit to the press without delay. He confirmed that all pressing lines are undergoing maintenance to handle the expected volume efficiently.
Researcher Mahmoud Al-Shuraideh added that the olive season remains a cornerstone of Ajloun’s socio-economic heritage. While modern processing technology has evolved, the olive tree continues to hold deep cultural significance, representing the vital link between the rural community and its agricultural land.
Source: Jordan News Agency (Petra)