Oman advances smart agriculture, empowerment
Published: 07:02 PM,Feb 15,2025 | EDITED : 11:02 PM,Feb 15,2025
MUSCAT, FEB 15
As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and empower rural communities, the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, through its Rural Development Department, organised a field visit to the Smart Agriculture Project in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi.
The visit brought together rural women supervisors and members of Omani Women’s Associations, providing them with firsthand insights into modern agricultural technologies and their role in economic and social empowerment — aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s goals for rural development and agricultural innovation.
The initiative aims to modernise agricultural practices and enhance food security by introducing smart farming techniques that improve efficiency and sustainability. Participants explored cutting-edge technologies such as advanced irrigation systems, smart soil and crop monitoring sensors, hydroponics, vertical farming and innovative harvesting methods.
Discussions also highlighted the potential of value-added agricultural industries in boosting the local economy by transforming raw produce into marketable products.
Recognising the vital role of women in food security and rural economic growth, the programme provided knowledge and training opportunities to strengthen their participation in the agricultural sector.
Asiya bint Mufid Al Shuaibiyah, a member of the Omani Women’s Association in the Wilayat of Sur, emphasised the significance of such initiatives, She said, “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the organisers for this valuable experience. Learning about smart farming techniques and modern farm management has been insightful. We hope such programmes will further enhance women’s contributions to agriculture and sustainable development.”
The visit also facilitated discussions on expanding food processing industries and creating new economic opportunities for women in agriculture, helping them establish small businesses and improve household income. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040’s strategic objectives to promote agricultural sustainability, enhance food security and transition towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Oman acknowledged the initiative, praising the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and women’s empowerment.
The General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources plans to expand such programmes across the Sultanate of Oman, with additional training workshops and collaborations with the private sector to support innovative agricultural projects.
By embracing smart agriculture, Oman is not only addressing environmental and climate challenges but also creating new avenues for women’s economic participation. These initiatives lay the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the well-being of rural communities.
Smart agriculture is one of the effective solutions to address environmental and climate challenges; and enhance the efficiency of agricultural production in the Sultanate of Oman. By involving women in these initiatives, new horizons are opened to contribute to economic and social development and enhance their role in achieving food security.
As part of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable agriculture and empower rural communities, the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, through its Rural Development Department, organised a field visit to the Smart Agriculture Project in the Wilayat of Al Kamil W'al Wafi.
The visit brought together rural women supervisors and members of Omani Women’s Associations, providing them with firsthand insights into modern agricultural technologies and their role in economic and social empowerment — aligning with Oman Vision 2040’s goals for rural development and agricultural innovation.
The initiative aims to modernise agricultural practices and enhance food security by introducing smart farming techniques that improve efficiency and sustainability. Participants explored cutting-edge technologies such as advanced irrigation systems, smart soil and crop monitoring sensors, hydroponics, vertical farming and innovative harvesting methods.
Discussions also highlighted the potential of value-added agricultural industries in boosting the local economy by transforming raw produce into marketable products.
Recognising the vital role of women in food security and rural economic growth, the programme provided knowledge and training opportunities to strengthen their participation in the agricultural sector.
Asiya bint Mufid Al Shuaibiyah, a member of the Omani Women’s Association in the Wilayat of Sur, emphasised the significance of such initiatives, She said, “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the organisers for this valuable experience. Learning about smart farming techniques and modern farm management has been insightful. We hope such programmes will further enhance women’s contributions to agriculture and sustainable development.”
The visit also facilitated discussions on expanding food processing industries and creating new economic opportunities for women in agriculture, helping them establish small businesses and improve household income. These efforts align with Oman Vision 2040’s strategic objectives to promote agricultural sustainability, enhance food security and transition towards a knowledge- and technology-driven economy.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) office in Oman acknowledged the initiative, praising the country’s commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and women’s empowerment.
The General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources plans to expand such programmes across the Sultanate of Oman, with additional training workshops and collaborations with the private sector to support innovative agricultural projects.
By embracing smart agriculture, Oman is not only addressing environmental and climate challenges but also creating new avenues for women’s economic participation. These initiatives lay the foundation for a more resilient and self-sufficient agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the well-being of rural communities.
Smart agriculture is one of the effective solutions to address environmental and climate challenges; and enhance the efficiency of agricultural production in the Sultanate of Oman. By involving women in these initiatives, new horizons are opened to contribute to economic and social development and enhance their role in achieving food security.