Sur unites to protect Oman’s palm heritage
The initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding palm trees as both a national treasure and a reflection of Oman’s cultural identity
Published: 06:12 PM,Dec 14,2024 | EDITED : 10:12 PM,Dec 14,2024
An extensive campaign to raise awareness of the red palm weevil was launched in Sur
MUSCAT: Under the slogan 'We protect our palm trees, we protect our heritage', the second extensive campaign to raise awareness of the red palm weevil was launched in Al Falij village, Wilayat of Sur, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate. Spearheaded by the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources, the initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding Oman’s palm trees as both a national treasure and a reflection of Oman’s cultural identity.
The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Dr Hilal bin Ali al Habsi, Wali of Sur, alongside community members and officials. Eng Khalid bin Hamdan al Hadhrami, Director of the Agricultural Development Department, emphasised the campaign's goal: to combat the red palm weevil, a major threat to Oman’s vital palm crops. He highlighted the critical role of preventing the transfer of infected palm seedlings to curb the pest’s spread.
The two-day campaign conducted field surveys in the villages of Al Fulaij and Tai in the wilayats of Sur and Al Kamil W'al Wafi. These surveys aim to ensure infected farms are addressed and healthy trees are protected. Eng Said bin Juma al Araimi, Director of the Department of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources in Sur, noted that dividing villages into specific sectors for team operations has proven effective, as demonstrated in Iftaa village, where systematic efforts successfully contained the infestation.
The history of red palm weevil infections in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate dates back to 2012 in Sur, with subsequent outbreaks in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan. The consistent monitoring of traps and targeted interventions has led to zero infections reported in 2024, reflecting the success of these coordinated efforts.
Eng Al Araimi highlighted the importance of raising farmers' awareness, stressing that community cooperation remains essential for achieving the campaign's goals. The initiative is part of a broader integrated management programme designed to combat the red palm weevil, enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks.
Palm trees symbolise Oman’s agricultural and cultural legacy, deeply rooted in the nation’s history. The campaign reflects Oman’s determination to preserve its heritage by intensifying field efforts and fostering awareness, ensuring the sustainability of palm trees for future generations.
As the campaign progresses, it continues to reinforce the message of unity and commitment: Oman’s palm trees remain a symbol of life, giving and resilience.
The event was inaugurated by Shaikh Dr Hilal bin Ali al Habsi, Wali of Sur, alongside community members and officials. Eng Khalid bin Hamdan al Hadhrami, Director of the Agricultural Development Department, emphasised the campaign's goal: to combat the red palm weevil, a major threat to Oman’s vital palm crops. He highlighted the critical role of preventing the transfer of infected palm seedlings to curb the pest’s spread.
The two-day campaign conducted field surveys in the villages of Al Fulaij and Tai in the wilayats of Sur and Al Kamil W'al Wafi. These surveys aim to ensure infected farms are addressed and healthy trees are protected. Eng Said bin Juma al Araimi, Director of the Department of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources in Sur, noted that dividing villages into specific sectors for team operations has proven effective, as demonstrated in Iftaa village, where systematic efforts successfully contained the infestation.
The history of red palm weevil infections in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate dates back to 2012 in Sur, with subsequent outbreaks in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan. The consistent monitoring of traps and targeted interventions has led to zero infections reported in 2024, reflecting the success of these coordinated efforts.
Eng Al Araimi highlighted the importance of raising farmers' awareness, stressing that community cooperation remains essential for achieving the campaign's goals. The initiative is part of a broader integrated management programme designed to combat the red palm weevil, enhance operational efficiency and mitigate risks.
Palm trees symbolise Oman’s agricultural and cultural legacy, deeply rooted in the nation’s history. The campaign reflects Oman’s determination to preserve its heritage by intensifying field efforts and fostering awareness, ensuring the sustainability of palm trees for future generations.
As the campaign progresses, it continues to reinforce the message of unity and commitment: Oman’s palm trees remain a symbol of life, giving and resilience.