Latest news with #MinistryofAgricultural
Muscat Daily
9 hours ago
- General
- Muscat Daily
South Batinah records over 17t of wheat production
Muscat – South Batinah governorate has produced more than 17 tonnes of wheat this year, with over 80 feddans of land cultivated across its wilayats, according to the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources. The initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to enhance food security in the sultanate, with wheat identified as a strategic crop. Eng Abdullah bin Saif al Saidi, Director of the Agricultural Development Department in South Batinah, said the ministry has implemented several programmes to support wheat cultivation. 'These include research to develop wheat varieties suitable for Oman's climate, as well as providing farmers with seeds and post-planting technical supervision,' he said. More than 2.5 tonnes of wheat seeds were distributed to over 60 farmers across the governorate. Saidi added that the 'Wheat Harvest' programme remains one of the ministry's most important services, offered free of charge. It provides harvesting equipment and specialised staff to assist farmers during the harvest season. Eng Sawsan bint Talib al Khanbashiya, head of the Date Palm and Plant Production Section, said the wheat seed project plays a key role in advancing food security efforts in the region. 'Our team continues to follow up with farmers through field visits and technical guidance throughout the planting season until harvest,' she said. The ministry's support for wheat cultivation reflects a wider national strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and ensure long-term food resilience.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman showcases investment opportunities in Barcelona
RAHMA AL KALBANI BARCELONA, MAY 6 The Global Seafood Expo kicked off on Monday in Barcelona, drawing wide international participation. Representing the Sultanate of Oman, the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, along with a number of leading Omani fisheries companies, are taking part in the event to promote Omani seafood products and strengthen their presence in global markets. Oman's participation will focus on showcasing investment opportunities in the fisheries sector, underlining Oman's commitment to sustainability in fishing and aquaculture, as well as supporting and empowering Omani small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The delegation also aims to open new avenues for trade and logistics partnerships with international stakeholders. Oman's pavilion features six prominent Omani companies: Muscat International Fish, Fakher Al Bihar, Rimal Shatti Aldiffa, Hussain Al Tamimi & Partners, Global Quality Source and Ocean Fisheries. Oman's fisheries sector has witnessed notable growth in recent years. In 2023, total fish production reached approximately 794,000 tonnes, reflecting an average annual increase of 7.5 per cent since 2018. The production value stood at RO 531 million, with 41 per cent of the output exported to over 84 countries — most notably the UAE and Egypt. Through its participation, Oman aims to attract foreign investment, foster technological and commercial partnerships, expand its export markets and promote value-added seafood products. These efforts are aligned with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the development of the blue economy and the increased contribution of the fisheries sector to the national GDP. The Global Seafood Expo is the world's largest seafood trade event, bringing together over 35,000 buyers, suppliers and professionals from more than 150 countries. With more than 2,200 exhibiting companies covering all segments of the seafood supply chain — including fresh, frozen and processed products, logistics, packaging and equipment — the Expo serves as a strategic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and exploring the latest trends and innovations in the seafood industry, further boosting opportunities for collaboration and investment in this vital sector.
Observer
19-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
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.
