27-05-2025
Farmer turns Jabal Shams village into fruit haven with 32 varieties
Muscat – An Omani farmer has grown more than 32 varieties of fruits in Jabal Shams, Oman's highest mountain, in what is being seen as a unique agricultural feat in the Middle East.
Situated 2,000m above sea level, villages in Jabal Shams are known for their distinct climate – cool in summer and cold in winter – that supports growing stone fruits such as peaches and apricots. Asaad bin Nasser al Khatri, a resident of Dar al Souda village, has tapped into this environment to establish a thriving orchard on the mountain's rugged terrain.
'I've managed to grow a wide variety of fruits here, including grapes, apricots and different types of plums – black, yellow and blue,' Khatri said. 'The trees typically live for two to three years. I've also visited several European countries to import rare fruit varieties and learn advanced techniques like drip irrigation.'
The mountain's cool climate and fertile soil create ideal condit-ions for fruit cultivation. 'Februa-ry is one of the most beautiful times of the year when apricot and peach trees come into blo-om,' he said. 'This beauty lasts through April and May, when the fruit are ready to harvest.'
According to Khatri, each apricot tree on his farm yields between 30kg and 100kg of fruit, depending on age, water availability and seasonal factors. His peach trees produce large fruit that are juicy and sweet.
Mountain communities of Jabal Shams have traditionally grown grapes, berries and pomegranates, supplying produce to tourists and Al Hamra market, a regional hub for agricultural trade.
Khatri opts for eco-friendly methods to ward off pests. 'I use environmentally safe pesticides that are effective and don't harm the ecosystem.'
Khatri now plans to develop agricultural tourism, inviting visitors to experience fruit farming at high altitude. His initiative includes guided farm tours, fruit-picking activities during harvest season, and trekking through the surrounding mountains.
'Jabal Shams offers a full sensory experience – fresh mountain air, stunning landscapes and fresh fruits. It's a new chapter in Omani agri-tourism.'
