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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Science Café in Oman cultivates blooming businesses

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Showing how genetic resource-based business can be accessible to everyone, November’s Oman Animal, Plant & Genetic Resource Centre (OAPGRC) Science Café will look at the blossoming commercial possibilities of horticulture and flower based enterprises.


Held this month in Arabic, the informal and practical free-of-charge event will take place at Bastah Majan Coffee Shop in Al Azaiba, Wednesday , November 26, 2017 with discussions beginning at 7.30pm.


The OAPGRC Science Café not only warmly welcomes aspiring floral entrepreneurs and gardeners but also members of the general public interested in the topic, students and specialists.


Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Nadya Al Saady, OAPGRC Executive Director and organizer of the monthly Science Café series explained: “This Science Café session has a very important aim — that’s to show you don’t have to be a scientist to start a genetic resource based business and that Oman’s biodiversity offers commercial opportunities for everyone.”


She added, “Today, the GCC horticultural industry is valued at US$151.3mn. Artisan growers and florists are enjoying a renaissance and there’s a sizeable market in particular for well-grown Omani flowers and plants. Dried flowers too offer lucrative possibilities. In fact, flowers produce one of the highest returns of any specialty crop and with the sultanate’s 1,200 plus plant species there are plenty of options to bring new and unique products to the market.”


“For me, the beauty of most horticultural businesses is that you don’t need a big investment to get started and whether you live in Muscat, Salalah or anywhere in between growing flowers and floristry can provide a good income for anyone who enjoys gardening, has a passion for flowers or is enthusiastic about floral design. That is, of course, providing you combine your dedication to your venture with the deployment of sound business skills,” Al Saady explained.


Exploring topics such as designing, planning and managing your own cut flower garden from a small patch, floristry, running your own retail business from home or a shop, and catering to market demand, this OAPGRC Science Café will be lead by Dr Almutasem Al Maamari with Muralee Manohar, Assistant General Manager from Themar Group and Eng Mubarak Al Shukaili from Muscat Municipality sharing practical and down to earth advice.


To find out more about the November OAPGRC Science Café or the Science Café calendar visit www. oapgrc.gov.om/Pages/event or call +968 22 30 54 03.


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