3 days ago
'Haseed' links Al Dhahirah farmers with retailers
SUHAR: A student team from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Suhar has launched a digital platform named 'Haseed', designed to directly link farmers in Al Dhahirah Governorate with fruit and vegetable retailers. The initiative aims to streamline marketing processes, reduce waste and enhance the efficiency and quality of the local agricultural supply chain.
Mahmoud al Harmali, a team member, explained that the project was inspired by the challenges farmers face in delivering their products to local markets within Al Dhahirah. Many are forced to sell individually at weekly markets or transport their goods outside the governorate, leading to spoilage and delayed sales, while most retailers rely on imported produce from other governorates.
He noted that the team encountered several challenges during development, including difficulty accessing farm owners directly. Additionally, digital promotion proved challenging, prompting the team to adopt on-ground outreach by visiting traditional markets - particularly at dawn on Fridays, a peak time for Omani traders and vendors.
The platform allows farmers to easily showcase their fresh and organic products, while retailers can source locally grown goods at fair prices with assured quality. 'Haseed' also features an organised delivery system transporting produce from farms to stores, along with smart surplus management technology to minimise agricultural waste and maximise crop utilisation.
Available products on the platform include a variety of farm-direct offerings such as dates, onions, leafy greens, melons and guavas.
The project secured third place in 'Al Dhahirah Hackathon', which saw over 200 participants and 40 student projects amid strong competition from colleges and universities nationwide, judged by experts in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Moving forward, the team plans to collaborate with relevant authorities to expand the platform to other governorates, with the goal of evolving it into a commercial start-up that supports Oman's agricultural sector and empowers local farmers through innovative tech solutions. - ONA
