In a development scene that reflects man’s ability to subjugate nature, fish farming projects in Aqaba Governorate continue to record a growing presence, becoming one of the most prominent modern agricultural models in desert environments, and a promising option for enhancing food security.
The Director of the Aqaba Agriculture Directorate, Engineer Thaer Al-Rawajfa, told Al-Rai that the sector is witnessing rapid growth, because of the real opportunities it provides to diversify sources of income and create sustainable job opportunities for members of local communities.
The areas of Wadi Araba and Tuwaisa are witnessing a remarkable expansion in fish farming projects. A project affiliated with the Tuwaisa Charitable Association is being implemented in Tuwaisa, which includes a pond with an area of (3.5) dunums, and a production capacity ranging between (5-6) tons of fish during the season. This project constitutes a model for community development, by providing direct job opportunities, supporting productive families, and supplying the local market with a fresh food product.
As for Qaa Saidiyyin, the Khairat Wadi Araba Company project stands out as one of the pioneering projects in the region, as it includes (10) ponds, each of which has an area of one dunum, with a production capacity of about (100) tons annually. Stressing that this project contributes directly to enhancing the stability of the local market and providing sufficient quantities of fish, which reduces dependence on imports.
Al-Rawajfa stated that the Aqaba Agriculture Directorate continues its role in following up on these projects, through technical supervision, providing guidance, and completing licensing procedures in accordance with the instructions of the Ministry of Agriculture, in a way that ensures raising production efficiency and achieving the highest quality standards.
Despite the challenges, most notably the scarcity of water, these projects rely on a sustainable approach to resource management, by reusing the water emerging from the ponds to irrigate trees, due to its richness in nutrients, which achieves integration between the agricultural and fishery sectors.
Al-Rawajfa pointed out that the directorate seeks to expand this sector in the areas of Al-Quwaira and Al-Desa, which contributes to achieving balanced and sustainable agricultural development in Aqaba Governorate.
