Dates, Honey Forum in Jaalan explores innovative marketing

JAALAN BANI BU HASSAN: The 4th Dates and Honey Forum held in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, Al Sharqiyah South Governorate, presented innovative marketing methods aimed at enhancing the added value of Omani agricultural products and achieving sustainability in the sectors of beekeeping and date palm farming.
The forum, which saw the participation of 7 government departments and private establishments, was aimed at encouraging farmers and beekeepers to develop their industries in accordance with the latest marketing practices.
Salim bin Sultan al Araimi, Director of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in the Wilayat of Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan, told ONA that the forum participants applied modern display methods and attractive packaging procedures that adhered to the highest standards of food safety. This approach, he observed, contributes to enhancing the marketing climate for local products and activating the role of small and medium enterprises.
Al Araimi said, “The forum focuses on diversifying products made from dates — like sweets, biscuits and dates syrup — and presenting them in modern ways that meet consumers’ aspirations. It also outlines the stages of producing Omani honey and highlights the progress made in the household-based food processing sector.”
Al Araimi pointed out that the production of dates in the Al Sharqiyah South Governorate in 2024 stood at 28,387 tonnes and that Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan occupied first place at the level of the governorate (12,588 tonnes) and 10th place at the level of Oman — thus affirming its status as a strong contributor to food security and the diversification of national economy at large. — ONA