logo
Dhofar begins work on integrated agriculture hub in Najd

Dhofar begins work on integrated agriculture hub in Najd

Muscat Daily14-06-2025
Salalah – Oman Agriculture Development Company has started construction of an integrated centre for the collection, sorting and marketing of agricultural products in the Al Najd area of Dhofar governorate.
Developed in cooperation with the Najd Agricultural Development Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), the facility aims to strengthen agricultural logistics and support farmers in the region.
The centre will provide services including collection from local farms, cold storage, sorting, packaging and processing. These are expected to help improve product quality, minimise waste and open new market opportunities within and beyond Oman.
Covering 4,300sqm, the centre will have an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes. It will be the first of its kind in Al Najd, which is known for its large plains and suitable climate for growing fruits, vegetables and fodder.
The project is part of efforts to boost Oman's food security and support small and medium-scale farmers who face challenges related to storage, transport and market access. According to officials, the projected is expected to get completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026.
The initiative aligns with national strategies to develop rural economies, strengthen local food supply chains and modernise the agri-logistics network.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in partnership with MAFWR, has announced plans to build three agricultural cities, each with an investment of RO1bn.
The cities will be located in Saham in North Batinah, Dhahirah and Al Najd. Each will cover about 50sqkm and is designed to boost food production and create jobs. Work on the Saham and Najd sites began in 2024 after final designs were approved.
The projects are expected to benefit over 43,000 people annually, add 2% to Oman's GDP.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

MAFWR imposes two-month ban on Kingfish fishing & trading
MAFWR imposes two-month ban on Kingfish fishing & trading

Muscat Daily

time4 days ago

  • Muscat Daily

MAFWR imposes two-month ban on Kingfish fishing & trading

By OUR CORRESPONDENT Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced the commencement of the fishing and trading ban of Kingfish across all Omani coasts for the year 2025. The ban will be in effect for two months, from Friday, 15 August 2025, until Wednesday, 15 October 2025, in accordance with Ministerial Decision No. (2014/230). The Ministry urged all fishermen, fish transporters, companies, and fisheries establishments to strictly adhere to the following guidelines: Refrain from fishing, transporting, buying, selling, trading, or exporting Kingfish during the ban period. Register all existing quantities of Kingfish with the relevant authorities before the ban begins, as unregistered stocks will not be allowed for trading or export. MAFWR emphasised that cooperation from all concerned parties is essential for the public good and warned that violations may lead to legal action and penalties.

14 new investment projects in agriculture in N Sharqiyah
14 new investment projects in agriculture in N Sharqiyah

Muscat Daily

time05-08-2025

  • Muscat Daily

14 new investment projects in agriculture in N Sharqiyah

Muscat – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, through its Tatweer investment platform, has announced 14 new agricultural and commercial investment opportunities across several wilayats in North Sharqiyah governorate. The opportunities, presented in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) and the Office of the Governor of North Sharqiyah, aim to attract private sector investments in agriculture, real estate development, and commercial ventures. Brochures detailing the investment packages are available for purchase starting August 5, with additional brochures set for release on August 14. Hamad bin Rashid al Sawai, Assistant Director General at the Directorate General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, said the initiative seeks to enable private sector institutions to invest in modern agricultural practices. 'The focus is on establishing integrated projects that utilise advanced techniques in cultivation, irrigation and post-harvest processing,' he said. 'The goal is to ensure sustainability and enhance the competitiveness of local products regionally and globally.' Among the 12 agricultural opportunities offered by MAFWR, five are dedicated to fig cultivation in the village of Al Quway'ah in Sinaw, covering 20 acres. Other key projects include a vegetable farming venture using greenhouses and open fields in Masroon, Ibra (8 acres), and a date processing factory in the industrial zone of Dima Wa al Taiyyin (2,135sqm). Additional projects target palm cultivation in Al Ghabi, Bidiyah (100 acres), as well as potato, garlic and onion production in Barzman, Sinaw – each covering 6.3 acres. A combined garlic and onion project is also being offered in Maghsar, Al Qabil, on a 6-acre plot. Badr bin Ahmed al Habsi, Director of Planning and Investment at the Governor's Office, informed that ac commercial investment opportunity in Ibra aligns with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040 and aims to support local economic development and job creation for Omanis. He highlighted another opportunity in Mudhaibi, where investors were invited to develop and operate multi-use industrial shops on a 2,565sqm site. 'The project is designed to support SMEs and enhance the local business environment,' he noted. The investment contract offers a 10-year term with a one-year grace period for preparation and setup. The initiative is part of broader national efforts to stimulate economic diversification, support sustainable farming practices, and promote private sector participation in local development.

Drones, smart irrigation spearhead Oman's agricultural push
Drones, smart irrigation spearhead Oman's agricultural push

Muscat Daily

time03-08-2025

  • Muscat Daily

Drones, smart irrigation spearhead Oman's agricultural push

Muscat – The use of smart agriculture technologies is being expanded in Oman to enhance food security and resource sustainability in line with Vision 2040 objectives, according to officials at Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR). Modern techniques – including hydroponics, smart irrigation systems and drones – are increasingly being adopted across the country, although officials say these are still in the early stages of implementation in the sector and largely focused on research initiatives and private sector investments. Badriya Saif al Hosni, Head of Smart Agriculture Department in the Directorate General of Agriculture and Livestock Research, said the strategy aims to integrate technology into traditional agricultural systems. 'One of the most prominent features of the ministry's strategy is digital transformation of services and adoption of modern technologies to increase crop productivity and reduce costs,' she said. 'We are also working to empower farmers with smart agriculture tools.' Badriya informed that projects underway include aquaponics systems, precision agriculture based on climate data, drone-assisted pest control and pollination, and solar-powered greenhouses. Smart irrigation systems, which use soil moisture sensors, are also being deployed to improve efficiency. Training is a core part of the government's approach. 'The ministry offers specialised training courses for farmers on drone operations, soilless farming and the use of mobile apps in farm management,' she said. Pilot projects have been introduced across governorates to support the transfer of knowledge to small-scale farmers. Badriya, however, acknowledged that challenges remain. 'One of the most prominent challenges is the disparity in digital infrastructure across governorates, along with the need to raise technical awareness among some farmers.' High operating and maintenance costs also limit adoption in certain areas. To support adoption, the government is allocating annual budgets and encouraging partnerships with the private sector. Development Bank offers soft loans to small farmers to purchase equipment, while agricultural associations help facilitate access to shared smart farming technologies. Badriya said MAFWR continues to be committed to balancing innovation with tradition. 'We are integrating modern technologies within systems like aflaj to preserve heritage while improving efficiency.'

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store