Oman: Wheat production expected to exceed 7,700t
Muscat – Farmers across Oman have started harvesting this season's wheat crop, with officials projecting total production from four key governorates to exceed 7,700 tonnes.
In Dhofar's Najd region, the 2024-2025 harvest began in early April under the supervision of Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in cooperation with Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund. Around 6,400 acres have been cultivated across 52 farms, with production expected to reach up to 6,000 tonnes.
Fael Mohammed al Jahfali, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, said the cultivation area has dropped from 7,600 acres last season, attributing the decline to farmers diversifying into other crops in response to changing environmental and economic conditions.
'Many farmers are opting for crops like onions, tomatoes, fodder, garlic and other vegetables that need less water and generate quicker returns,' he added.
Jahfali also informed that 13 harvesters are currently supporting the wheat harvesting process in Dhofar.
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in cooperation with the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, supplied 30 tonnes of wheat seeds at 50% subsidy for the 2024-2025 season. Harvesting machinery has also been provided free of charge, while Oman Flour Mills Company is managing the collection process from farmers.
Jahfali described wheat as one of Oman's most strategic crops, noting that the Najd area offers strong potential for expansion due to its large cultivable land and accessible groundwater.
According to Salem bin Musabah al Kalbani, Director of Agricultural Development Department in Dhahirah, 1,350 acres have been allocated for wheat cultivation under food security projects through usufruct contracts, of which 250 acres have been cultivated this year, with production expected to reach 1,000 tonnes.
'The ministry is actively supporting wheat farmers with technical guidance and field supervision,' Kalbani said. Last season, more than ten tonnes of subsidised seeds were distributed, besides modern irrigation systems and harvesting equipment.
In Dakhliyah, farmers in the wilayat of Adam have also begun harvesting. Saeed bin Hamad al Raqmi, Head of the Agricultural Development and Water Resources Section, said wheat is a popular crop due to relatively low water requirements, nutritional value and affordability. This year, 106 acres have been planted in Adam, with production expected to reach 120 tonnes, up from 72 tonnes last season.
In Buraimi, too, harvesting commenced last month. Nasser bin Ali al Marshoudi, Director General of Agriculture and Water Resources, said more than 200 acres have been planted, with production forecast to exceed 250 tonnes. 'Over seven tonnes of high-quality seeds were distributed among farmers for the 2024-2025 season,' he said.
© Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
21 hours ago
- Zawya
Eritrea: Hagaz Agricultural and Technical School Graduates Students
Hagaz Agricultural and Technical School has graduated 131 students, including 54 female students, in certificate programs. The students received two years of both theoretical and practical training. The graduates include 32 in Agro-Mechanics, 34 in Animal Science, 31 in Plant Science, and 34 in Water and Soil Conservation and Irrigation Farming. Mr. Melake Berhane, Head of the School, stated that the main objective of the institution is to produce skilled human resources, improve agricultural productivity, combat desertification, ensure food security, create employment opportunities, solve potable water shortages in nearby villages, and meet public demands. He urged the graduates to apply their training to further agricultural development in the country. Mr. Tesfay Seium, Director General of Technical and Vocational Training at the Ministry of Education, encouraged the graduates to apply their knowledge practically and become exemplary in their workplace. A representative of the graduates expressed gratitude for the training and affirmed their readiness to contribute to agricultural development in the country. During the event, awards were presented to outstanding students. Hagaz Agricultural and Technical School, established in 1999, has so far graduated 3,346 students. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Arabian Business
Flying taxis in Oman: LYNEports and AeroVecto team up to plan eVTOL ports and routes
LYNEports and AeroVecto have signed deal to plan hybrid electric VTOL aircraft in Oman. AeroVecto's flagship aircraft, Shuttle, is designed to redefine public transportation in Oman and the wider GCC region. Prioritising passenger capacity and comfort, Shuttle is poised to transform how people move within and between cities, ushering in a new era of clean, efficient, and scalable urban air mobility. eVTOL in Oman Through this partnership, LYNEports will support the planning and simulation of AeroVecto's Shuttle network, ensuring that every site is designed with aviation-grade safety, operational feasibility, and regulatory compliance in mind. Leveraging LYNEports' AI-powered platform, AeroVecto will be able to assess optimal locations, simulate flight paths, and visualise integrated transport networks to accelerate AAM adoption across Oman. Rasha Alshami, CEO of LYNEports, said: 'We're excited to support AeroVecto in bringing their innovative vision to life. Their commitment to solving real public transport challenges in the region aligns perfectly with our mission to make AAM infrastructure accessible, safe, and well-planned from day one.' Fahad Al Riyami, CEO of AeroVecto, said: 'At AeroVecto, our vision is to make high-capacity aerial commuting a practical reality for cities across the region. 'We are excited to partner with LYNEports to advance vertiport planning and route optimisation of the Shuttle network, enabling efficient urban air transport for the masses.'
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) South Sudan Hosts Peer Review Meeting on Resilience Interventions in Seed Systems
FAO South Sudan convened a peer review meeting to validate findings on the effectiveness of its seed system investments across five states in the country. Held on 9 May 2025, the event was geared to assess and strengthen the draft report ' Assessing the Effectiveness of Resilience Interventions Through Investments in Seed Systems. ' The meeting aimed to validate the report's findings and ensure its credibility, relevance, and practical value in informing resilience programming across the country. The event brought together representatives from FAO, relevant partners, and technical experts from the United Nations, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, and civil society organizations. Participants provided feedback on a report assessing FAO's investments in community-based seed production, seed fairs, and direct seed distribution. The evaluation used the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis II (RIMA-II) methodology to address the 'what' of the outcomes and was complemented by a qualitative tool to explore the 'why' behind the observed results. 'Strengthening local seed systems – including traditional varieties – alongside promoting commercial seed production is essential to support agriculture in South Sudan.' - Felix Dzvurumi, Head of Programme, FAO South Sudan. In addition to the peer review, the results of the assessment will be reviewed and discussed in two further forums before publication: the South Sudan Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster (FSLC) and the FAO South Sudan Donor Update Meeting. These engagements aim to ensure broader validation, alignment with partner priorities, and readiness for implementation. The assessment, which covered 13 counties in five states, explores the impact of seed system interventions on five resilience capacities: Preventive, Anticipative, Absorptive, Adaptive, and Transformative. The peer review was conducted as part of FAO's Lessons Learning and Knowledge Sharing Initiative on Resilience in Africa, coordinated by the FAO Regional Office for Africa (RAF). The initiative fosters collaboration and the exchange of best practices across the continent. 'Generating and using evidence is central to strengthening resilience. Peer reviews help country offices ensure the quality, accuracy, and relevance of knowledge generated, support the application of lessons, promote cross-country learning, and scale up what works in a consistent and impactful way.' - Jacqueline Were, Emergency and Rehabilitation Officer, FAO RAF Resilience Team. Key outputs from the meeting included: A revised report integrating expert and stakeholder feedback. A peer review summary document capturing insights, strengths, gaps, and recommendations. A comprehensive meeting report outlining discussions, action points, and follow-up steps. By documenting South Sudan's experience and ensuring alignment with regional learning efforts, the meeting contributes to improved implementation of resilience programming, risk mitigation, and sustainable development outcomes across Africa. 'I found this peer review to be both informative and engaging, exceeding my expectations. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this meeting and learn from FAO's resilience interventions in seed systems.' - Isaac Jebaseelan, Roving Coordinator, South Sudan FSLC. ' The peer review on how seed systems contribute to resilience aligns with the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster's efforts to promote the sustainability of local seed production and ensure its timely availability to local farmers, thereby supporting collective initiatives aimed at enhancing food security in South Sudan.' - Mat Gai, Cluster Coordinator, South Sudan FSLC. To save lives, safeguard livelihoods, and build resilience in South Sudan, FAO implements one of the largest resilience programs in Africa. FAO defines resilience as the capacity of individuals, households, and communities to withstand and recover from shocks while maintaining development gains and advancing peace and well-being. This meeting forms part of a broader initiative led by FAO RAF to elevate resilience learning and enhance knowledge exchange across African countries. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
