Latest news with #GrapeFestival
Observer
9 hours ago
- Business
- Observer
Al Sharqiyah North grape fest highlights agricultural growth
MUSCAT: The Grape Festival in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate officially opened on Monday at Al Fursan Hall in Al Rawdah village, the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi. Held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the event was jointly organised by the ministry and the Office of the Governor. It brought together farmers, entrepreneurs, agricultural engineers, the Majlis Ash'shura representatives, shaikhs and dignitaries. In his address, Governor Mahmoud al Thuhli praised the festival as a testament to successful collaboration between government bodies and the local community. He noted that since the inaugural event in 2023, grape cultivation in the governorate had expanded from 8 to 27 acres— a remarkable 238 per cent increase. The 2024 edition builds on this momentum with a model grape farm project aiming to cultivate an additional 100 acres, raising the total to 127 acres. Estimated production is set at 635 tonnes, with economic returns expected to surpass RO 1 million. Six high-quality international grape varieties — renowned for storability and transportability — have been introduced to enhance global market competitiveness. The festival aligns with 'Oman Vision 2040', promoting food security, supporting the agricultural sector, and fostering SME growth. It also aims to raise awareness about grape farming, encourage investment and create job opportunities through contract farming and agricultural associations. Dr Saud al Habsi, in his opening speech, underscored the festival's role in empowering farmers and advancing local agricultural production. The first day featured a documentary on grape farming in Oman and a presentation by Dr Rashid al Yahyai of Sultan Qaboos University, emphasising the role of biotechnology and farmer-academic collaboration in sectoral growth. On June 17, the festival continues with workshops and papers from agricultural bodies and banks. A special session will train women in grape-based food processing. Last year's festival saw the sale of over 10,000 kg of grapes and 4,000 seedlings. This year, projections surpass 15,000 kg, showcasing more than 50 grape varieties, including Flame Seedless, Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, Princess, Red Globe and Summer Royal — suitable for fresh consumption, juice and raisins. Participating institutions include Oman Agriculture Development Company, Oman Development Bank and Bank Dhofar, offering financial and marketing support alongside live grape-juicing demos. Now an annual highlight, the festival strengthens collaboration between the government, private sector and community, helping to build a robust, sustainable agricultural ecosystem that enhances local economic growth and national food security.
Times of Oman
14 hours ago
- Business
- Times of Oman
North Al Sharqiyah Grape Festival kicks off
Al Mudhaibi: The North A'Sharqiyah Governorate today launched the second edition of its Grape Festival in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi. The event builds on the remarkable success of its 2023 debut, which saw grape cultivation areas in the governorate expand from 8 to 27 acres - a 238% increase. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Mahmoud Yahya Al Dhuhli, Governor of North A'Sharqiyah, emphasized the festival's role in fostering government-community partnerships while announcing ambitious new agricultural targets. The current edition introduces a model grape farm project aiming to cultivate an additional 100 acres, bringing total cultivation area to 127 acres with estimated production of 635 tonnes valued at over OMR1 million. The project will also introduce six new international grape varieties selected for their quality, storage capability, and transport durability to enhance competitiveness in domestic and international markets, he added. The opening day featured a documentary chronicling the development of grape cultivation in Oman, followed by a scientific presentation from Dr. Rashid Al Yahyai, Dean of the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences at Sultan Qaboos University. The presentation highlighted agricultural development through biotechnology and research while stressing the importance of farmer-academic institution partnerships. Local farmers shared success stories demonstrating modern irrigation techniques, organic fertilization, and marketing approaches, alongside presentations of new investment agreements supporting grape cultivation and food processing industries. The Minister honored contributing participants and farmers before inaugurating the accompanying exhibition, which featured specialized displays of grape varieties, processed products, and modern agricultural equipment with participation from public and private sector institutions. The festival continues on Tuesday with an "Agricultural Lab" focusing on farming challenges and agricultural investment development in North Al Sharqiyah, featuring participation from specialists and agricultural experts. Organised through collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and the North Al Sharqiyah Governor's Office, with participation from government and private institutions, the festival serves as a comprehensive platform to empower farmers, promote agricultural innovation, and establish North Al Sharqiyah as a promising agricultural center in Oman.
Zawya
14-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: MAFWR expands model grape farming in N Sharqiyah
Ibra – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water (MAFWR) is stepping up efforts to achieve greater agricultural self-sufficiency with expansion of a targeted grape farming initiative in North Sharqiyah. The move is part of the country's broader strategy to enhance food security, support rural livelihoods and diversify the economy. MAFWR is continuing to rollout of its Model Grape Farms Project in Ibra. The initiative aims to significantly expand grape cultivation in North Sharqiyah while encouraging youth participation in the agricultural sector. An official from the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah said the project was launched in response to recommendations from the inaugural Grape Festival held in 2023. 'This project offers a genuine opportunity to establish grapes as a commercially viable crop while inspiring young farmers to continue cultivation,' the official said. 'Grapes hold considerable economic potential not just in Ibra, but across the governorate.' Key objectives of the project include increasing cultivated land area, improving yield and opening new marketing channels for local farmers. The initiative also emphasises private sector involvement, promotes contract farming through agricultural associations, and aims to generate employment in rural areas. 'Our goal is to achieve significant increase in grape cultivation to a total of 72 acres. We anticipate annual production of up to 250 tonnes, with estimated economic return exceeding RO250,000,' the official said. Participating farmers will receive comprehensive support, including installation of trellising systems, modern irrigation infrastructure, fencing and access to high-quality seedlings. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
12-04-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
MAFWR expands model grape farming in N Sharqiyah
Ibra – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water (MAFWR) is stepping up efforts to achieve greater agricultural self-sufficiency with expansion of a targeted grape farming initiative in North Sharqiyah. The move is part of the country's broader strategy to enhance food security, support rural livelihoods and diversify the economy. MAFWR is continuing to rollout of its Model Grape Farms Project in Ibra. The initiative aims to significantly expand grape cultivation in North Sharqiyah while encouraging youth participation in the agricultural sector. An official from the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah said the project was launched in response to recommendations from the inaugural Grape Festival held in 2023. 'This project offers a genuine opportunity to establish grapes as a commercially viable crop while inspiring young farmers to continue cultivation,' the official said. 'Grapes hold considerable economic potential not just in Ibra, but across the governorate.' Key objectives of the project include increasing cultivated land area, improving yield and opening new marketing channels for local farmers. The initiative also emphasises private sector involvement, promotes contract farming through agricultural associations, and aims to generate employment in rural areas. 'Our goal is to achieve significant increase in grape cultivation to a total of 72 acres. We anticipate annual production of up to 250 tonnes, with estimated economic return exceeding RO250,000,' the official said. Participating farmers will receive comprehensive support, including installation of trellising systems, modern irrigation infrastructure, fencing and access to high-quality seedlings.
