Oman's beekeepers harvest 3 tonnes of honey in Manah
More than 100 beekeepers operate approximately 1,400 beehives in the wilayat, contributing to a growing sector that supports both local livelihoods and the wider economy.
Mohammed Harib al Bahlani, Director of the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources in Manah, said the profession plays a key role in meeting domestic demand and promoting Omani honey through festivals and trade events within and outside the sultanate.
Bahlani said the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is backing the sector through a national programme that supports honeybee breeding and expansion. The initiative includes training, technical support, and the provision of modern tools to ensure sustainable honey production.
'This season saw a marked increase in Samr honey due to better pasture conditions and the absence of pests and diseases,' Bahlani said. 'The result is higher availability and lower prices for consumers.'
The department also organises awareness programmes for students and practical training for beekeepers, covering hive management, bee propagation and queen rearing.
Veteran beekeeper Nasser bin Hamoud al Busaidi, who has been harvesting honey for over four decades, recalled collecting honey from valleys and mountains in his early days. 'Today, I maintain a permanent apiary in the wilayat and sell honey through social media, which provides a steady income,' he said. 'I also plan to raise Harmal honey bees soon.'
He acknowledged the challenges of transporting hives during extreme heat or drought, but said this season was productive due to abundant Samr blossoms and favourable dry conditions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Al Dhahirah Governorate to construct 18 groundwater recharge dams
Ibri: Acting in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, citizens in wilayats of Al Dhahirah Governorate joined hands in the construction of 18 groundwater recharge dams as part of a community partnership project. The project aims to boost groundwater reserves and ensure the sustainability of water resources for future generations. The step reflects the growing trend of community awareness about the importance of community-enhanced management of water resources. The dams' construction was funded by local citizens and the Ministry in a gesture that embodied the success of integrated efforts in the field of water resources management. Eng. Mubarak Salim Al Jabri, Director of the Water Resources Department in Al Dhahirah Governorate, said that work is currently underway to construct 7 new groundwater recharge dams as part of the community partnership initiative, as follows: 3 dams in the wilayat of Ibri, 3 dams in the wilayat of Yanqul and 1 dam in the wilayat of Dhank. The ministry contributes 20 percent of the cost of the project, while the citizens bear the remaining 80 percent. Al Jabri told Oman News Agency (ONA) that dams are a key element in improving water supply in wells and aflaj, and this helps raise agricultural productivity and provide water in a sustainable manner for the community. Al Jabri added that this year also saw the completion of maintenance of 8 existing dams in Al Dhahirah Governorate. Al Jabri said that Al Dhahirah Governorate has 36 dams ('groundwater recharge dams' and 'flood protection dams'):18 are government dams and 18 are community partnerships-based dams. He pointed out that these dams represent a fundamental pillar in supporting the infrastructure of water security and water resources. The dams achieve sustainable agricultural development in the governorate's various wilayats, he explained.
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Muscat Daily
Omani navigator Ibn Majid's manuscript earns Unesco honour
Paris – Oman has received official recognition from Unesco for inscription of the manuscript Al Nuniyah al Kubra (The Great Nuniyah) by renowned Omani navigator Ahmad ibn Majid in the Memory of the World register. The certificate was handed over during a meeting in Paris on Tuesday between H E Amna bint Salem al Balushi, Oman's Permanent Representative to Unesco, and Dr Tawfiq al Jelassi, Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information at the organisation's headquarters. Inclusion of The Great Nuniyah is the result of joint efforts by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, in coordination with the Omani National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and Oman's Permanent Delegation to Unesco. The manuscript is regarded as a landmark in the field of marine science and navigation. Inscribed in April 2025, The Great Nuniyah is the second Omani manuscript to be recognised under Unesco's Memory of the World programme. The first was The Mine of Secrets in Oceanography by navigator Nasser bin Ali al Khadouri, added in 2017. Ibn Majid's work documents maritime geography and ancient shipping routes in detail. It also records societies encountered during his voyages and provides insight into anchoring techniques and marine life. Significantly, while earlier scholars divided the Earth into seven northern regions, Ibn Majid extended the classification by introducing seven regions in the southern hemisphere. The Memory of the World programme was established by Unesco in 1992 to safeguard documentary heritage at risk of loss. Manuscripts are selected based on criteria such as historical importance, rarity, authenticity and cross-cultural impact.
Observer
20-07-2025
- Observer
Oman-India ties deepen through art and yoga
MUSCAT: Under the leadership of Dr Kavitha Ramakrishna, the Tamoghna Foundation, headquartered in Bengaluru, has emerged as a transformative force not just in India but also across borders - most notably in Oman. With a deep commitment to wellness, cultural revival and civic engagement, Dr Kavitha has forged meaningful connections between the two nations through her unique blend of Tanjore art, yoga mentorship and cross-cultural initiatives. In Oman, she has earned recognition as a cultural ambassador, particularly for her efforts in introducing and teaching yoga and mindfulness to local women, and for showcasing traditional Indian Tanjore painting enriched with Omani cultural motifs - including inspirations drawn from national monuments and traditional jewellery. These works have not only captivated art lovers, but also created a new dialogue between ancient Indian artistry and Omani heritage. Back in India, her foundation recently collaborated with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to conduct a special yoga session for sanitation workers on International Yoga Day, reinforcing her mission to uplift underserved communities. The event, part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, highlighted the importance of mental and physical well-being for frontline civic workers.
