Latest news with #youngOmanis
Zawya
a day ago
- General
- Zawya
Oman: Reviving home farming boosts food security
Suhar: Although people are living in an era where technology often dominates daily life, a quiet but meaningful eco friendly shift is taking root across Oman as increasing numbers of young Omanis are turning to home farming , not just as a hobby, but as a powerful personal and national statement. Whether on rooftops, in backyards, or through vertical garden setups in urban apartments, young Omanis are reshaping how food, sustainability, and identity intersect in modern Omani society which reflects raising awareness too. This grassroots revival comes in a time of growing awareness of food security, a critical concern in dry climate countries like Oman that rely heavily on imports. According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information, over 60 per cent of Oman's food is imported and a figure that has driven interest in local and homegrown alternatives. Ali Salim, a 30-year-old from Ibri, began growing tomatoes and mint on his rooftop during the pandemic. 'It started as a way to relax during lockdown, but it quickly became a passion. The Pandemic shows me the need to achieve food security,' he said. 'Now, I sell small batches to neighbours and teach others how to start their own mini farms. I believe every household can produce something, even if small and that's a step toward food independence,' he added. Environmental authorities see this movement as more than a lifestyle trend. Hamoud al Harrasi. emphasised its national value by saying: 'Home farming may seem small scale, but collectively, it builds resilience. When households grow even a portion of their produce, it reduces pressure on supply chains, enhances food availability, and raises community awareness about sustainability.' He also noted that urban farming innovations, such as hydroponics and composting, are being integrated into public awareness campaigns and school programmes to encourage wider adoption. Rashid al Qutaiti, a school principal, commented: 'We have conducted a project to attain good security and independence with the high school students. We grew some plants using water( hydroponics ) and we achieved a high score among the environmentally friendly schools projects. This was the start and then students started to spread the idea and do some individual projects at home.' He added that such initiatives help in increasing food security by reviving home farming and raising awareness of such ideas in society. Social media continues to accelerate this movement. Instagram accounts and local farming clubs share planting tips, seasonal guides, and videos showcasing progress under hashtags like #GreenOman and #FoodFromHome. However, challenges remain including limited space, climate conditions, and lack of technical knowledge. But youth are responding with creativity and determination. BLURB Whether on rooftops, in backyards, or through vertical garden setups in urban apartments, young Omanis are reshaping how food, sustainability, and identity intersect in modern Omani society which reflects raising awareness too. 2025 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
11-08-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Maseer and bp Oman Empower Omani Youth Through 'Discover Yourself' Program
Muscat: In partnership with bp Oman, Maseer concluded the first edition of its 'Discover Yourself' youth development programme which was held in the mountains of Jabal Al-Akhdar. The initiative gathered over 100 young Omanis from diverse backgrounds to engage in a transformative journey of self-reflection, leadership, and experiential learning. The programme represented a wide cross-section of Oman's youth, from university students to job seekers, with a focus on engaging individuals from certain governorates such as Ad Dhahirah and Musandam, with 107 total participants, in which approximately 50% were job seekers. 'Discover Yourself' was designed to strengthen essential life and career skills such as teamwork, communication, leadership, and critical thinking, all within an immersive natural setting. Over the course of the programme, each participant rotated through various roles in group activities, and introduced them to health, safety, and environmental principles (HSE), reinforcing the value of responsible decision-making in real-world settings. Mohammed Al-Rawahi, CEO of Maseer, remarked: 'The programme 'Discover Yourself' which was designed for jobseekers, sponsored by bp Oman, was an experience filled with challenges for us at Maseer in terms of preparation, implementation and reaching to the targeted audience. However, despite the challenges, we were able to achieve great results, overcoming the expectations whereby the engagement with the programme was huge and inspiring.' Ibrahim Al Hinai, Social investment manager at bp Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, added, 'As Oman continues its march toward Vision 2040, initiatives like this stand as crucial platforms for youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, and national development. This programme supported many jobseekers and students in discovering their hidden strengths, building their confidence and skills, and realigning their goals and future pathways.'
