ABU DHABI, JORDAN — Two grain silos used primarily to hold essential food grains such as wheat and barley have been inaugurated in Jordan following an extensive renovation. Capacity at the silo in Juwaideh was increased to 120,000 tonnes, while the silo in Aqaba was renovated to increase capacity to 100,000 tonnes.

The $70.5 million projects were financed by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) in support of Jordan’s National Food and Security Strategy for 2025. The ADFD said it received a $1.25 million grant from the United Arab Emirates as part of the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND).

The ADFD said the Juwaideh silo stores grains in 24 vertical storages, with each main silo having 5,000 tonnes of capacity. A 1-megawatt solar plant also has been added to supply energy to the granary, the ADFD said.

The Aqaba silo has 28 additional vertical warehouses, each with a capacity of about 3,800 tonnes, the ADFD said.

Nasser Al Shuraida, minister of planning and international cooperation and acting minister of industry and trade, said the silos expansion project in Juwaideh and Aqaba underscored the scale of efforts of the UAE and the ADFD to support Jordan over its development programs.

“Our participation in the inauguration of expansion project of Juwaideh and Aqaba granaries reflects the depth of the strategic relations between the UAE and Jordan, as these pioneering projects represent a priority for Jordan’s development programs,” said Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, director general of the ADFD.

He pointed out that the two silos with an expanded capacity will enhance security and ensure that the country meets its food needs for an increasing population, in addition to keeping food prices in check.

“All this will further strengthen Jordan’s economy and support the government’s developmental objectives,” he said.