Latest news with #MinistryofAgricultural


Muscat Daily
6 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman announces new agricultural projects for Dhahirah
Ibri – Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has announced four new investment opportunities for usufruct land in Dhahirah governorate, covering a total of 16 hectares for plant and animal projects. The opportunities include citrus cultivation on 4 hectares and fig cultivation on another 4 hectares in the Al Buwairda area of Yanqul, livestock breeding and seasonal fodder cultivation on 4 hectares in the Qarn Kabsh area of Ibri, and palm cultivation with date production on 4 hectares in the Al Ghuwail area of Ibri. According to the ministry, the projects aim to strengthen the agricultural sector and attract investors to ventures that support Oman Vision 2040's economic diversification goals. Sites were selected based on soil quality, water availability, and market demand to ensure long-term viability. Details of the opportunities and usufruct terms are available on the Tatweer platform, with applications open to local and foreign investors. Preference will be given to proposals that adopt modern irrigation systems, sustainable farming practices, and value-added production to improve competitiveness in local and export markets. The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, in cooperation with MHUP and the private sector, is working to allocate land and develop investment plans to enhance food security and sustainable agricultural growth. Dhahirah has been identified as a promising hub for agricultural expansion due to its fertile land, favourable climate for fruit cultivation, and proximity to regional markets. Officials believe the projects will attract both commercial and small-scale investors.


Muscat Daily
01-07-2025
- Health
- Muscat Daily
3rd global meet on frankincense from Sept 14 to 16 in Salalah
Salalah – As part of the sultanate's ongoing efforts to promote innovation and sustainable use of natural resources, Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources will host the 3rd International Meeting on Frankincense and Medicinal Plants in association with Dhofar University from September 14 to 16 in Salalah. The event will be held in a hybrid format allowing both in-person and virtual participation. Building on the success of previous editions, this year's event will explore the therapeutic and medicinal potential of the region's botanical heritage, with particular emphasis on frankincense – one of Dhofar's most iconic and historically significant natural products. The three-day event will include keynote addresses by international experts, presentation of academic papers, exhibitions and interactive workshops. It aims to serve as a collaborative platform bringing together researchers, healthcare professionals, policymakers, entrepreneurs, farmers and industry stakeholders. The event seeks to reinforce the global importance of Omani medicinal plants, not only as part of the sultanate's cultural heritage but also as promising contributors to contemporary health solutions. Dhofar University is inviting academics, institutions and interested individuals from across Oman and abroad to participate. Further details and registration are available at


Observer
19-06-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman strengthens food security through model farm programme
Dhank: More than 250 farms in Al Dhahirah Governorate have benefited from the Commercial Model Fields Program, an initiative launched by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in 2020 to promote sustainable agriculture and strengthen food security across the Sultanate, according to a report by Oman Daily. As part of the program, over 9,000 tissue-cultured date palm saplings and 6,000 high-quality fruit tree seedlings have been distributed to farmers across the governorate, covering more than 140 acres of cultivated land. The initiative supports economic-scale farms in all three wilayats of Al Dhahirah, helping them adopt modern irrigation systems and apply advanced agricultural practices. The program aims to improve productivity, raise the quality of local produce, and increase farmers' income through the cultivation of carefully selected fruit varieties, including mango, Eureka lemon, Omani lime, guava, fig, and grapes. It also encourages a shift toward water-efficient farming methods by requiring the installation of modern irrigation systems as a condition for support. According to the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah, the model farms serve as living examples of what sustainable and profitable agriculture can look like when guided by structured planning, smart technology, and continuous field support. The ministry works closely with farmers to provide technical guidance, regular follow-ups, and field inspections. This hands-on approach ensures that farms not only meet production targets but also operate efficiently and sustainably in the long term. Though currently focused on Al Dhahirah, the program extends to other governorates as part of Oman's broader agricultural development strategy. Officials emphasize that the ultimate goal is to enhance food security, reduce reliance on imports, and equip local farmers with the tools needed to compete in a modern agricultural landscape. By integrating best practices with practical support, the Model Fields Program is reshaping the farming sector—field by field—toward a more resilient, productive, and food-secure Oman.


Muscat Daily
18-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Smart farming, model farms to raise Oman's grape output
Mudhaibi – A special academic session – held during the 2025 Grape Festival in Mudhaibi, North Sharqiyah – called for adoption of artificial intelligence and smart farming methods for better yields of grapes in the sultanate. The Agricultural Challenges Resolution and Investment Development Lab also recommended creation of e-marketing platforms to help farmers reach wider markets. The lab, which concluded on Tuesday, made recommendations aimed at strengthening grape cultivation and advancing the agricultural sector, officials informed. The session brought together experts and academics from the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, along with representatives from other government bodies. Among the proposals was the allocation of at least 100 acres of investment land in the first phase for grape cultivation in regions with a competitive advantage. Papers presented during the lab encouraged the private sector to play a larger role in financing and promoting Omani agricultural products. Dr Abdulaziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agricultural Fisheries and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, described the lab as an important outcome of the festival, covering topics such as improving grape varieties, pruning and harvesting methods, investment, marketing and technology use. Four main presentations were shared – the ministry outlined investment opportunities; the Development Bank presented available funding options; Oman Agriculture Development Company highlighted marketing services; and the Omani Agricultural Society's North Sharqiyah branch discussed smart agriculture and future plans. The festival also saw the launch of a 'Model Farms' project, adding 100 acres to the existing area under grape cultivation. The total area now stands at 127 acres, with an expected output of 635 tonnes and an economic return estimated at more than RO1mn. Six new international grape varieties were introduced to improve the quality, shelf life and market competitiveness of Omani grapes.


Muscat Daily
18-06-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Mango exhibition kicks off in Muscat on Thursday
Muscat – The Mango Season 2025 exhibition will open this Thursday, June 19, at Muscat Grand Mall in Bausher. Organised by the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources, the three-day event will run until June 21. The exhibition aims to celebrate mango cultivation and promote Oman's thriving mango sector, offering a vibrant platform for farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and the public to engage in a rich array of activities. Visitors can look forward to a wide showcase of local and imported mango varieties, accompanied by scientific posters that provide valuable insights into each type. A dedicated corner will highlight propagation techniques and crop care, offering expert advice on best practices in mango cultivation. Another section will feature mango seedling sales, alongside exhibition space for rural women, farmers, and agricultural partners to display and market their products. Throughout the event, scientific and professional workshops will be held, focusing on effective management of mango farms. These sessions are designed to benefit both agricultural professionals and enthusiasts interested in deepening their knowledge. The exhibition is expected to draw broad participation from across Oman, with strong involvement from private sector companies engaged in mango farming and marketing. The Mango Season 2025 exhibition serves as a marketing platform for local farmers to sell their produce directly to consumers. It also aims to raise awareness about seedling production and sustainable crop care, foster public-private collaboration in agriculture, and highlight the role of scientific research in advancing mango cultivation. Ultimately, the exhibition reflects Oman's broader efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and enhance food security, while celebrating the seasonal bounty of one of the country's most cherished fruits, stated the ministry.