All steps will be taken to ensure uninterrupted supply in the local market hit by a shortage of imported fruits and vegetables, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has said. They will be “directly sourced” from Jordan and Egypt to tide over the crisis. Oman will take advantage of Salalah’s proximity to Egypt compared to Dubai. The central market in Mawaleh has been asked to work longer hours. Sultan Al Mahrouqi, Head of Omani Farmers’ Union, said in a circular that basic fruits and vegetables are already available in the local market.
Oman has tightened norms for labs checking for pesticides in fruits and vegetables at the borders, affecting supply from other countries.
“Oman did not ban imports, but only laid down new regulations for ‘no pesticide contamination’ certificates for imported vegetables,” he added.
In order to ensure supply of fruits and vegetables in the market, Oman is sourcing them from the US, Thailand and other countries by air, which involves fewer procedures compared with those brought by sea.
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