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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Best varieties of sweet grapes grown in Al Mudhaibi

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AL MUDHAIBI: Over the past years, Al Rawdha, in Samad Al Shan in the Wilayat of Al Mudhaibi, Governorate of North Al Sharqiyah, has excelled in producing the best varieties of locally known grapes, especially black and white. For several years, farmers have introduced another type called Al Taifi and Al Lubnani, which in turn has achieved success in its cultivation with high production.


The grapes of Al Rawdha is available in the markets of the neighbouring wilayats which in turn gives great economic return to the farmers. This product was able to compete with the imported grapes and this year is considered the best harvest year according to the farmers’ confirmation.


Rashid bin Sulaiman al Habsi, one of the farmers interested in growing grapevines in Al Rawdha says: “The growing of grapevines has been one of my interests for several years. This interest grew after the local markets started to welcome this product that achieves good economic return, in addition to the availability of fertile soil and fresh water. I have allocated part of the farm to growing grapevines, and now the production is large enough and achieved significant economic income that encouraged me to expand. I am currently trying to introduce the best varieties that can be marketed.”


He pointed out to ONA that the market is currently in great need for this crop because what is currently produced does not cover the markets of neighbouring wilayats as the demand is huge for grapes. There is a continuous trend by officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries through the agricultural development departments in the wilayat towards the expansion of growing grapevines, as well as the interest in the provision of improved seedlings that produce fruit that can be marketed.


Al Habsi added that there are many types of grapes, including black, white and Al Lubnani, which is achieving remarkable success in its growing and quality.


He pointed out that the harvest begins in June and concludes by end of August. The price of a kilogramme during this period could reach RO 1.5 and increases at the end of the season and is marketed in the neighbouring markets and sometimes through the farm directly. He added that prices of grapes are suitable given the characteristic of local grapes of high quality taste.


The interest in growing of grapevines from the beginning of the season until the time of harvest is through paying attention to irrigation, fertilisation, pruning and creating the appropriate environment and protection against pests. He adds that, “We do not rely much on expatriate labourers in growing grapevines, and the farmer is the foundation in the interest of growing grapevines while the role of expatriate workers remains marginal.”


Al Rawdha is famous for growing grapevines due to the fertility of its soil and the availability of fresh water, whether from aflaj ‘ancient irrigation system or water channels’ or the wells on which farmers depend on agriculture.


The growing of grapevines is not confined to farms only, but in the houses as well, and one can hardly find a house without grapevines of various types, as grapes are considered to be one of the main elements on the tables of families in Al Rawdha town. — ONA


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