King checks on strategic grain reserves at Ghabawi bunker silos

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, checked on the strategic grain reserves at the Ghabawi horizontal bunker silos.

The visit is in line with King Abdullah’s concern to ensure the covering of citizens’ needs for basic commodities and maintain national food security, especially during the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19), according to a Royal Court statement.

During the visit, His Majesty stressed that securing citizens’ needs of basic commodities is a priority at all times, noting that the goal is to have sufficient strategic stockpiles that last more than a year.

The King directed concerned stakeholders to develop a plan to increase strategic food reserves by enhancing storage capacities and stepping up local production.

His Majesty was briefed by Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Tareq Hammouri on the features of the Ghabawi horizontal bunker silos, which help double the strategic reserves and maintain the quality of stored goods during various weather conditions.

The minister highlighted plans to expand the storage capacity of the silos to enhance food security, according to the statement.

According to the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Supply, storage capacities around the Kingdom total around 1.1 million tonnes, and are expected to reach 1.45 million tonnes by the end of the year.

Royal Engineering Directorate Director at the Royal Hashemite Court Jamal Muhsen said the horizontal bunker silos are more efficient than tower silos for long-term wheat storage, noting that storage procedures are in line with international standards for maintaining strategic reserves.

The Ghabawi silos were built jointly by the government, the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army and the Royal Engineering Directorate of the Royal Hashemite Court.