M ZAHIDUL HAQUE
The people of Jordan on February 7 marked the 22 nd death anniversary of Late King Hussein who passed away due to cancer on February 7, 1999, at the age of only 63 years. King Hussein is admired by not only the people of Jordan but people world over for his visionary and benevolent leadership. He contributed towards the making of modern Jordan. The late King worked relentlessly for bringing the welfare of his people and development to the entire sector including education and agriculture. King Hussein made brilliant contributions to the establishment of peace in the Middle East and in the world. During his reign, the institution of democracy also strengthened in Jordan.
I have been an ardent admirer of His Majesty late King Hussein. I can remember that I had sent a condolence message at the sad demise of the King which was promptly acknowledged and appreciated by the Royal Palace vide a telegram. This gesture reflects the progress achieved by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Al Mamlakah al Urduniyah al Hashimiyah) in the international communication arena.
It may be indicated here that at that time King Hussein was the longest-serving Head of State in the world. He was proclaimed King of Jordan on August 11, 1952 (formal accession on May 2,
1953). Notable, Queen Elizabeth II was crowned as the Queen of the United Kingdom on June 2, 1953 who is the present longest serving Head of State in the World and will be celebrating 70th anniversary on the throne in 2022.
Being an educator in agriculture, I take a keen interest in the agriculture of Jordan. The main crops grown in Jordan include cereals (wheat, barley), fruits and vegetables (citrus, banana, olives, lentils, chick peas).
Livestock sector plays an important role in Jordanian agriculture which contributes nearly 60 percent agricultural output and provides a major source of income to the rural people (FAO 2011). The crops are grown mainly in rain-fed areas and through irrigation though non-availability of fresh water for irrigation is a major challenge for Jordan agriculture. Of course, the Government of Jordan together with international agencies like FAO is working to upgrading the status of Jordan agriculture and Jordanian farmers.
Meanwhile, I believe that there is a great prospect for expanding Jordan agriculture. Perhaps a more defined and effective extension service is required for increasing production in agri-sector and ensuring food security.
It may be mentioned here that on the same day King Hussein passed away, that is, February 7, 1999, Abdullah bin Al-Hussein, eldest son of King Hussein was proclaimed the King of Jordan. Since his accession to the throne, His Majesty King Abdullah has been working hard to building Jordan a really developed, democratic, and peaceful country and he has achieved significant success.
(The author is a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Information System, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh. email: prof_haque@hotmail.com)
