The Ministry of Agriculture has opted for the hybrid work system, a mix of in-person and online work, gearing towards improved productivity.

“The ministry has applied flexible hybrid working arrangements starting this month, which includes 30 per cent of employees,” according to the ministry’s spokesperson Lawrence Majali.

Majali told The Jordan Times on Tuesday, that supervisory and administrative positions are exempt from the decision, as these positions require employees to be physically present in the office.

“There will be a more accurate evaluation of this experience by the end of the current month, and all details will be shared with media outlets,” he noted.The ministry’s performance has not been affected, Majali added.

“On the contrary, performance indicators continue to grow and what has assisted the ministry in introducing this arrangement is the ministry’s electronic system through which a large part of services and transactions are done,” the spokesperson said.

Applying flexible working hours leads to greater productivity and an improved work culture, also empowering women in the workforce, particularly those who have family obligations, Director of the Phenix Centre for Economics and Informatics Studies (PCEIS) Ahmad Awad, told The Jordan Times on Tuesday.

“Any move towards implementing a flexible working schedule is considered a positive step forward,” Awad said, adding that employees do not have to commute to the office every day to work.

Many enterprises in the local private sector, particularly those involved in programming, research and technology, have already implemented the hybrid system, which has led to a multitude of benefits and progress, Awad said.We hope that this step will be introduced in other ministries and governmental entities,” he added.

Source : Zawya

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Driven by his passion for farming, Yasser, a 71-year-old farmer from Sweida, begins each day early, tending to his home farm, where he has successfully transformed steep, barren land into fertile terraces for cultivating a variety of vegetables. Yasser inherited his deep love for the land and farming from his father, and he has been practising this cherished craft since childhood. “My land is the most precious thing I have. It is part of my heritage and will hopefully be my legacy one day,” said Yasser.

For over 40 years, Yasser carefully selected the seeds of mountain tomatoes, choosing the best shape, taste, and pest resistance and saving the seeds for the next planting season. While his farm was once solely abundant with grape vines, he later introduced a diverse array of summer and winter vegetables, olive and almond trees, enriching the agricultural tapestry of his land.

Yasser working diligently in his land

Recognizing the significance of sustainable agriculture, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) introduced regenerative agriculture to vulnerable small farmers in Aleppo, Lattakia, Tartous, Damascus, Rural Damascus, Qunaitra and Sweida. Regenerative agriculture mimics the processes found in natural ecosystems, which ultimately enhances soil fertility and promotes efficient and sustainable water usage. Yasser is one of 170 farmers who have greatly benefited from this initiative.

He actively participated in the training sessions organized by the programme on regenerative agriculture, where he acquired knowledge about sustainable and climate-smart farming practices, focusing on enhancing soil fertility and managing water resources effectively.

Yasser takes immense pride in the positive impact that these new techniques have had on his farming experience. They have deepened his understanding of the nutritional needs of plants and soil.

“The application of compost has significantly improved soil fertility and the overall health of my crops. Vegetables now thrive. They are growing faster and stronger. Their resilience to drought conditions has noticeably increased,” exclaimed Yasser with an infectious smile.

Assisting Yasser on his farm are his wife, three children, and occasionally his three grandchildren. One of his sons, deeply inspired by his father’s passion for farming, pursued a career as an agricultural engineer. “We frequently exchange tips and insights. I benefit from his knowledge, and he gains from my experience,” said Yasser, referring to his son. He passionately encourages everyone in his community to embrace these new methods and techniques, particularly after witnessing the tangible benefits of increased productivity and reduced costs.

Thanks to UNDP’s regenerative agriculture project, farmers like Yasser can now implement sustainable and efficient practices, leading to a positive environmental impact and fostering prosperous communities in the long run.

Source : UNDP

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Kuria made the statement during a meeting with Qatar Chamber first vice-chairman Mohamed bin Towar al-Kuwari, which was held in Doha in the presence of Kenyan ambassador Boniface Nduva Mwilu.

The minister said Kenya is rife with investment opportunities in the fields of food security, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, petrochemicals, and housing.

During the meeting, both sides discussed means to enhance economic and commercial relations between both countries and reviewed the investment climate and opportunities available in Kenya and Qatar.

Kuria praised the close relations between Kenya and Qatar and expressed hope that both countries will witness more development in commercial and economic co-operation in the future.

He called on Qatari investors to visit Kenya to explore the investment climate and opportunities being offered there, as well as the incentives presented by the government, especially those in the economic zones in Mombasa.

Al-Kuwari said Qatar Chamber highly welcomes enhancing the co-operation between Qatari businessmen and their counterparts from Kenya, stressing that it encourages Qatari investors to explore the opportunities galore in Kenya, which offers numerous opportunities in several sectors.

“Qatari investors are eager to learn about opportunities in Kenya and in Africa in general,” al-Kuwari said, adding that Qatar’s climate investment is attractive and that there are many mega projects that will be implemented in the state within the framework of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Source: Gulf Times

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