19-04-2025
Wheat harvest season in Oman: promising yields despite challenges
Muscat: The governorates of the Sultanate of Oman are currently experiencing the peak of the 2025 wheat harvest season in April and May, with positive indicators regarding the quality and productivity of the crop, despite some challenges faced by farmers.
Wheat is considered a strategic crop of both nutritional and economic importance and is cultivated across various wilayats (provinces) in Oman, where harvesting activities are progressing rapidly.
This year, several wilayats have reported good production levels, thanks to the ongoing efforts of farmers; and the technical and advisory support provided by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources. These efforts are combined with a continued push to expand cultivated areas and improve the quality of wheat varieties.
Harvesting has commenced in a number of wilayats, including Shinas in Al Batinah North Governorate, Mahadha in Al Buraimi Governorate, and Yanqul in Al Dhahirah Governorate. Additionally, several villages in the Wilayat of Bahla such as Al Ghafat, Al Jilah, Bilad Sayt, Saih al Maashi and Wadi Quriyat have also begun harvesting activities.
Hamdan al Qassabi, a farmer from Wadi Quriyat in Bahla, shared his experience this season, noting that the wheat growing season this year was good in terms of both quantity and quality. He emphasised that the people of the wilayat continue to cultivate wheat annually despite the challenges they face.
Al Qassabi explained that the cultivated area this year did not exceed two acres, yet they were able to produce around one and a half tonnes of wheat. He attributed the limited cultivated area to water scarcity, which he identified as the greatest challenge facing farmers in the region. He also pointed to a shortage of labour during the harvest period as an additional obstacle.
He added that farmers in Bahla are keen to grow wheat due to its high nutritional value and significance as a strategic crop. This season, they cultivated the "Koli" variety, a traditional Omani strain passed down through generations known for its high suitability to the region in terms of quality, ability to meet household needs and the valuable agricultural byproducts it provides.
Regarding government support, Al Qassabi mentioned that there was no assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture this year for wheat cultivation, prompting farmers to rely entirely on their own resources. Due to the limited quantities produced, the harvest is marketed and sold directly at the local level.
Various varieties of Omani wheat are cultivated, including the "Koli" variety, as well as others such as Al Saraeea, Al Maysani, Al Hamira, Al Jareeda, Al Walidi, and Al Shuweira. These varieties contribute to the diversity of production and support local food security.
