Local farmers' growing love affair with strawberries and modern farming

In recent months, strawberries have emerged as an unexpected agricultural sensation in Oman, captivating the interest of both farmers and consumers alike. Once a novelty in the region, this juicy berry is now at the forefront of a burgeoning local produce movement driven by innovative farming practices, entrepreneurial spirit, and a growing preference for organic, locally-grown food.
Traditionally, Oman’s agriculture has centred around date palms, citrus, and other hardy crops suitable to the desert climate. However, recent advances in greenhouse technology, vertical farming, and hydroponics are transforming this landscape. Farmers across the country, from Barka to Bidiya, and even in urban centres like Muscat, are experimenting with strawberries, a crop that requires precise environmental conditions to thrive.
Fahad Al Hajri, an agripreneur based in Bidiya, exemplifies this shift. Using greenhouses on his three-acre farm, he successfully cultivated his first crop last year. His strawberries, grown in neatly arranged rows with modern irrigation systems, garnered enthusiastic local sales.
Fahad’s venture is not just about growing fruit; it’s about redefining what is possible for Oman’s agricultural sector.
'Growing strawberries here was unthinkable a few years ago,” Fahad explains. “But with modern techniques, even farmland once left fallow can produce high-quality produce. People like me see the potential and are willing to invest in new methods.”

In Barka, a local farmer employs vertical farming techniques in Halban, achieving impressive yields of strawberries despite the arid environment. Similarly, in Yiti, Muscat, the Yeti Farm Project blends traditional irrigation with high-tech greenhouses, creating a space where visitors can pick strawberries themselves during seasonal festivals, making agriculture a family-friendly activity and boosting agritourism.
One striking initiative is Alila Jabal Akdhar’s hydroponics programme. Located at a high altitude, the resort has successfully incorporated strawberry cultivation into its zero-waste, green-focused efforts. The farm’s modest but consistent harvests are part of a broader push to promote self-reliance and green tourism. Hotels and restaurants are keen to showcase “Made in Oman” strawberries, turning them into a selling point for local cuisine.
In Bilad Sayt, the Bilad Sayt Strawberry farm has been mesmerising visitors with their beautiful plantation where people can visit and handpick themselves from rows and rows of well-outlined strawberry plants. The family owned farm, during the harvest season, has been well appreciated for offering a unique experience.
The trend extends beyond commercial farms. In Ibri, a home gardener has succeeded in growing strawberries among over 60 types of crops, demonstrating that with proper techniques, even small-scale farmers can contribute to the market. The government’s Ministry of Agriculture is also supporting this wave of innovation, encouraging home gardening and presenting modern agriculture as a vital pathway to food security.

Perhaps most intriguing is the successful cultivation of Russian yellow strawberries by Ahmed Al-Ghafri from Ibri. Introduced in 2020, this unique variety has baffled and delighted food enthusiasts, winning praise for its distinct taste reminiscent of chewing gum. Despite its smaller size, the yellow strawberries are gaining popularity for their novelty and decorative appeal—destined to feature in cakes and desserts.
The growing fascination with strawberries in Oman reflects a broader desire among farmers to diversify their crops beyond traditional staples. “We’re turning fallow land into productive farmland,” says Fahad. “It's about resilience, innovation, and connecting with consumers who value fresh, local produce.” This movement also tackles challenges like water scarcity, with modern greenhouses and hydroponics providing controlled environments that optimise water and nutrient use.
As Oman’s farmers continue to harness these techniques, the strawberry once seen as an outsider crop is now becoming a symbol of modern, entrepreneurial agriculture. Whether for healthy eating, tourism, or simply as a novel addition to Oman’s diverse farming portfolio, strawberries are undeniably making their mark on the country’s agricultural scene—proof that innovation can bloom even in the most unexpected places.