The Minister of Agriculture met with the heads and representatives of more than 20 municipalities and local authorities in Hebron to discuss the needs of the agricultural sector, as well as to strengthening agricultural planning

•  Minister Slaimiya: A clear agricultural plan is essential for each town, based on its needs and priorities.
•  Identifying land suitable for investment and developing agricultural roads and markets are among the priorities of local planning.
•  The Ministry of Agriculture and local authorities are discussing how to translate these priorities into actionable projects and programs.

Hebron: August 9, 2026

Following directives from the Minister of Agriculture, Professor Rizq Slaimiya, the Ministry of Agriculture held a comprehensive meeting with mayors, agricultural engineers, local authorities, and agricultural councils in Hebron Governorate. The meeting aimed to enhance agricultural planning at the local level, identify priorities and needs based on the specific circumstances of each area, and establish a collaborative framework to translate these priorities into practical plans, interventions, and programs. The meeting was organized by Hebron Municipality and attended by Minister Slaimiya, Mayor of Hebron, Engineer Yousef Al-Ja'bari, Municipal Council members Dr. Nabil Al-Husseini and Ms. Hamsa Al-Takrouri, directors general of the governorate's agricultural directorates, representatives of agricultural departments and branch agricultural offices, and a large number of mayors, local authorities, village councils, and other relevant stakeholders.

Minister Slaimiya emphasized that developing the agricultural sector requires agriculture to be a fundamental part of local authorities' plans and priorities. He called for each local authority to prepare a clear agricultural plan that includes identifying land suitable for agricultural investment, constructing and rehabilitating agricultural roads, organizing markets, and encouraging investment, all in accordance with the specific characteristics and potential of each region. He stressed that the Ministry is ready to dedicate its staff and technical expertise to support these plans, thereby strengthening the role of local authorities in agricultural planning and enhancing their ability to access agricultural programs and projects.

The Minister also reviewed the most prominent agricultural programs, projects, and interventions currently being implemented by the Ministry and discussed the mechanisms for progress and benefiting from these agricultural projects and programs. He called for strengthening coordination and cooperation between the Ministry and agricultural authorities and councils. He also pointed to the importance of developing mechanisms for promoting projects and networking, and informing farmers and local authorities about available opportunities and programs. He noted that the participation of applicants from Hebron Governorate in some agricultural programs remains limited, and called for enhancing their capacity to prepare projects and apply for grants and programs.

Mayors, agricultural engineers, and representatives of local authorities and agricultural councils had the opportunity to raise the most pressing needs and challenges facing their regions and to offer proposals and recommendations. This strengthens their role as active partners in setting priorities and planning agricultural interventions. The Mayor of Hebron, Engineer Yousef Al-Ja'bari, emphasized the importance of the meeting in conveying the governorate's needs to the Palestinian government and national and international institutions. He stressed that the current stage requires concerted efforts and the transformation of agricultural challenges into implementable programs and projects, considering agriculture a matter of resilience, food security, and the local economy. He called for building a genuine partnership between local authorities, the Ministry of Agriculture, the private sector, and international organizations.

The meeting, held at Hebron Municipality's Child Welfare Center, concluded with an affirmation of the continuation of this collaborative approach between the Ministry of Agriculture, local authorities, and agricultural councils. Participants pledged to follow up on the priorities and needs raised and work to transform them into practical plans, projects, and interventions. This will enhance the Ministry's presence on the ground, increase the effectiveness of local agricultural planning, support farmers' resilience, and open broader horizons for investment and agricultural development in Hebron Governorate.