Efforts to raise coconut production in Dhofar governorate
Salalah: The Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate reaffirmed that it is working on creation of sustainable solutions for the decrease in production of coconut in the wilayats of Salalah and Taqa.
The decision was taken after analysis of the findings of the survey conducted by the joint field teams comprising the consumer protection authority and other government departments.
Mussalam bin Salim Rafait, acting Director General at the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, said that the availability of coconut in Dhofar Governorate has decreased during the last decade due to its shipment within the governorates, improper practices and the impact of plant pests on the quality and productivity besides low productivity during winters due to the cold weather and decrease in cultivation area of coconut trees due to change in land use.
He said that the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is working on boosting the productivity and expansion in coconut cultivation area.
New areas for cultivation, investment and continuation of pest control operations coupled with regulating the agricultural marketing chains through local Omani companies have been done, he said.
It is worth mentioning that Dhofar Governorate is known for growing tropical fruits such as coconut which is common in the coastal areas of the governorate. The annual productivity of coconut in Salalah plain land amounts to 7,000 tonnes.
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