SMART AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
As global temperatures rise and arable land becomes increasingly scarce, the Sultanate of Oman is turning to innovative technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and reduce dependency on imports.
Smart agriculture incorporates data-driven solutions such as sensors, drones and climate monitoring systems
Smart agriculture — also known as precision farming — incorporates data-driven solutions such as IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, drones, climate monitoring systems and AI-powered analytics to manage farms more efficiently.
These tools enable real-time tracking of soil conditions, crop health and water usage, leading to reduced waste and improved yields.
In Oman, pilot projects led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources are underway across several governorates.
By investing in technology, Oman is paving the way for a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector
One standout initiative is the use of hydroponics and aquaponics in greenhouse farming, allowing crops to grow without soil and with significantly less water. These systems are proving particularly effective in arid regions like Al Batinah North & South Governorates and Dhofar Governorate.
Another vital element of smart agriculture in Oman is the adoption of solar-powered irrigation and climate-controlled greenhouses, which optimise temperature and humidity for crops while minimising environmental impact. These developments align with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises sustainable resource use and the diversification of the economy.
SMART AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
In collaboration with private sector partners and academic institutions, Oman is also training a new generation of agripreneurs and technicians. Initiatives like the Agriculture Innovation Centre in the Wilayat of Suhar, Al Batinah North Governorate, are equipping youth with digital skills to operate and maintain high-tech farming equipment.
Workshops and hackathons are being organised to encourage solutions for pest control, smart irrigation and post-harvest technologies.
SMART AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
The shift to smart agriculture is not without challenges. High initial costs, lack of technical know-how and the need for customised local solutions remain hurdles. However, government support in the form of subsidies, training programmes and public-private partnerships is helping accelerate adoption.
SMART AGRICULTURE FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
Experts believe that Oman's transition to smart agriculture can serve as a model for other Gulf nations with similar environmental constraints. By investing in technology and human capital, the Sultanate of Oman is paving the way for a resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector.
With climate-smart solutions gaining ground, Oman is poised to not only improve its food security but also contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts. — ONA
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Muscat Daily
4 hours ago
- Muscat Daily
UTAS Musannah research paper wins award at Cardiff conference
Musannah – University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) Musannah has won the Best Research Paper Award at the International Conference on Business and Technology (ICBT Cardiff 2025), hosted by Cardiff University in the United Kingdom. The winning paper, titled Innovation Drivers: Success Factors of Business Incubators in the Sultanate of Oman in Line with Oman Vision 2040, was presented by a research team from the university's College of Economics and Business Administration, comprising Dr Nasser bin Salem al Bimani, Dr Alamelu Mangai Raman, Dr Jafar Ali Khan and Prof Mohammad Tasleem. The paper analysed key factors influencing the success of business incubators in Oman and the role of these in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to sustainable economic diversification. According to team members, their study relied on precise scientific methodologies and field data analysis, drawing on leading international experiences in supporting business incubators. The aim, they added, was to 'provide practical recommendations that could help develop the innovation system in Oman, in line with the pillars and priorities of Oman Vision 2040'. UTAS stated that the recognition highlights the university's growing academic standing both regionally and internationally. 'It underscores our commitment to enhancing the role of scientific research in serving national development plans and building partnerships with global institutions to transfer knowledge and expertise to national cadres.'
Observer
5 hours ago
- Observer
White hydrogen adds new dimension to Oman's energy transition
Oman has established itself as a regional leader in green hydrogen, driven by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Hydrom's successful launch of large-scale projects, competitive auctions, and the securing of international investments. Building on this momentum, the country is now turning its focus to white hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, geologic hydrogen, or gold hydrogen. A recent agreement between Sohar Port and Freezone and the Swiss company Hynat marks a key step in evaluating and developing the full value chain of this resource. This reflects Oman's ongoing commitment to diversifying its hydrogen portfolio in line with Oman Vision 2040 and the National Strategy for an Orderly Transition to Net Zero. White hydrogen forms naturally through geological processes and is stored in subsurface reservoirs. It does not require carbon-intensive production, offering a low-emission alternative suitable for industrial use, mobility systems, and export. If discovered in viable quantities with high purity, white hydrogen could strengthen Oman's energy sustainability, support export growth, and position the country as a frontrunner in a rapidly evolving global sector. Developing white hydrogen comes with several technical challenges. It is difficult to estimate how much hydrogen exists underground, where it is located, and how easily it can be recovered with the required purity. Even in high concentrations, hydrogen is often mixed with gases like nitrogen or methane, which must be removed using efficient and affordable methods. Hydrogen's small molecular size makes it prone to leakage through fractures in rocks or poorly sealed wells. To manage this, Oman needs better tools for subsurface imaging, reservoir modeling, and real-time monitoring. Long-term exposure to hydrogen can also weaken metals used in drilling and pipelines, requiring stronger materials and site-specific designs. Large-scale production will depend on safe and cost-effective systems for extraction, compression, storage, and handling. Innovations in drilling techniques, sealing materials, and surface infrastructure will be critical to achieving technical reliability and cost control. To unlock investment, detailed pre-feasibility and feasibility studies are essential to evaluate geological potential, infrastructure needs, project economics, and environmental impact. Artificial intelligence can support these efforts by predicting gas composition profiles, refining subsurface models, and designing more effective separation processes. Combined with techno-economic modeling, life cycle assessment, and geospatial analysis, these tools will enhance decision-making and reduce investment risks. Academic institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University can play a central role in advancing white hydrogen development through interdisciplinary research and curriculum innovation. Research platforms like the Oil and Gas Research Centre and the Sustainable Energy Research Centre can foster collaboration across petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, earth sciences, and environmental science. Priority research areas in white hydrogen include techno-economic feasibility studies, sustainability assessment, advanced gas separation techniques, subsurface hydrogen migration, AI-assisted gas composition prediction, and geospatial resource mapping. These efforts can help shape regulatory frameworks, guide pilot project design, and support evidence-based investment planning. At the same time, modernizing academic programs through specialized elective courses in white hydrogen systems, energy geoscience, and techno-economic analysis can help prepare a skilled workforce to meet the demands of this emerging sector. Oman is already leading the region's energy transition. White hydrogen adds a strategic new dimension, opening pathways for low-emission innovation and industrial growth. Through accelerated feasibility studies, advanced R&D, and strong partnerships, Oman can turn this emerging resource into a key pillar of energy security and economic resilience.
Observer
a day ago
- Observer
New telecom royalty rate to boost competitiveness
MUSCAT, AUG 11 Oman's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has confirmed that its decision to unify the royalty rate across mobile and fixed telecom services will be a game-changer for the sector—boosting competitiveness, attracting investment, and creating a level playing field for all licensed operators. 'This decision will increase the competitiveness of the telecom sector and enhance Oman's investment appeal,' the TRA said in an exclusive interview with the Observer. 'It creates a level playing field for all telecom licensees, ensuring fair and equal treatment across the board.' The move, which applies the revised royalty rate uniformly to all operator classes and license types, removes long-standing disparities between mobile and fixed service providers. By eliminating regulatory bias, it opens the door to balanced infrastructure investment, greater innovation, and higher service quality. The TRA said the unified rate will simplify regulatory procedures, reduce administrative complexity, and improve transparency—making Oman's telecom market more efficient and attractive to local and foreign investors. Lower financial burdens on companies are expected to free up capital for network expansion, advanced digital services, and customer-focused innovations. While the regulator noted that the reduction in royalty fees should, over time, enable providers to offer more competitive tariffs, it stressed that the actual impact on end-user prices will depend on market competition, pricing strategies, and operational costs. The reform is also closely tied to Oman's national ambitions. 'This aligns directly with Oman Vision 2040 and our digital economy goals,' the TRA said. 'It strengthens the foundations for economic diversification, technological advancement, and positions Oman as a regional hub for digital transformation.' Industry analysts say the move signals a pro-investment regulatory environment at a time when the telecommunications sector is pivotal to Oman's economic future. By levelling the playing field and boosting investor confidence, the change is expected to accelerate the rollout of next-generation networks, expand digital access, and reinforce Oman's standing in the Gulf's competitive telecom landscape.
