His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said the agricultural sector is a national priority as it is a basic pillar of the economic, social and environmental development process.

During a meeting with agricultural sector representatives, the King underlined the importance of training farmers and helping them enhance the level of their production and living standards.

King Abdullah said it was also important to educate small farmers on how to boost their capabilities and ensure their participation in the development process to render it a success.

In statements to Jordan Television, Jordanian Farmers Union President Jamal Maqableh said the discussions also focused on how to help the small farmers produce agricultural products in line with the international standards.

King Abdullah's meeting with the farmers is part of his efforts to activate the agricultural sector in underprivileged areas.

During His Majesty's recent visits to areas such as Deir Alla, Ghor Al Safi and Jerash, the King was briefed on agricultural land that could be utilized for investment purposes to enhance the living standards of residents and alleviate poverty and unemployment by training farmers and guiding them on what crops to grow which could be marketed abroad.

In the meeting, a study was presented on the situation of the country's agricultural sector, conducted by private sector representatives working in the field.

The study showed Jordan possesses features that enable it to penetrate markets in the Gulf and neighboring countries.

King Abdullah stressed the need to accelerate the implementation of the agricultural development strategy drawn four years ago, saying it was necessary to implement projects in less fortunate districts, taking into consideration the agricultural features of each area.

His Majesty also called for developing a vision on how to invest in these areas to address the problems of poverty and unemployment, enhance the living standards of residents and educate and encourage farmers to grow crops that could be marketed abroad.

Referring to the challenges facing the sector, King Abdullah said overcoming them needs collective efforts, especially through activating the private sector's role in marketing agricultural products and carrying out scientific research to overcome obstacles hindering agricultural development in the Kingdom.