Wheat cultivation in Najd exceeds 6,000 acres
Thumrait: The total area cultivated with wheat in Najd agricultural region in Dhofar Governorate has reached approximately 6,400 acres across 52 farms, with an expected production of 6,000 tons for the 2024/2025 season.
Farmers in Najd began harvesting operations in early April this year under the supervision of the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund.
Eng. Fael Mohammed Al Jahfali, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, stated that the cultivated area for this season in Najd reached 6,400 acres, compared to 7,600 acres across 84 farms last season. He noted that 13 harvesters were deployed to support farmers during the harvesting process.
He explained that the decrease in wheat cultivation this season is due to some farmers shifting from wheat to other crops due to changing environmental and economic conditions. Additionally, the growing number of farmers seeking government wheat subsidies has prompted many to explore alternative crops with higher economic viability. Alternative crops such as onions, tomatoes, fodder, garlic, and certain vegetables—which require less water and yield faster returns—have gained traction.
Al Jahfali highlighted that the ministry provided 30 tons of wheat seeds, subsidized at 50%, in cooperation with the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund. The ministry also offered free wheat harvesters and facilitated procedures for farmers to deliver wheat to Oman Flour Mills Company.
He emphasized wheat's importance in food security as one of the most strategic and economically vital crops. The ministry is committed to expanding its cultivation across Oman, including Najd in Dhofar, which holds promise due to its vast agricultural land and suitable groundwater for farming.
In parallel, the ministry has introduced several incentives to encourage farmers to expand wheat cultivation and improve its quality and productivity. These include providing enhanced seed varieties, such as "Najd 1," "Najd 2," "Wadi Qurayat 110, 308, 226, 227," "Jibreen," and "Koli."
It is worth noting that the ministry aims to promote and expand wheat cultivation by supplying farmers with seeds and harvesting equipment, in addition to offering agricultural guidance in cooperation with the Omani Farmers' Association.
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