Solar energy boosts sustainability in agriculture and livestock sector

MUSCAT: Investing in clean energy is emerging as a practical environmental and economic solution in response to the growing shift towards renewable energy sources, particularly in agricultural and livestock projects located in sun-rich areas.
The application of solar energy across various projects in Oman is beginning to show positive results, reflecting its feasibility in both farming and animal production sectors. The adoption of solar systems has a direct impact on reducing operating costs and improving returns, especially amid rising conventional energy costs.
Eng Mohsen bin Mohammed al Mufarji, a renewable energy specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, said the ministry is continuing efforts to promote renewable energy use in agricultural, livestock and fisheries projects by encouraging farmers, breeders and investors to partially shift to solar power. He explained that this approach supports environmental sustainability and improves resource efficiency, taking advantage of Oman’s abundant solar radiation. It also provides opportunities to enhance productive projects by powering irrigation systems, cooling units, and crop-drying facilities, thereby improving production quality and operational continuity.

In the livestock sector, he noted that solar energy can operate ventilation, cooling systems and water pumps, helping maintain a stable and healthy production environment. In aquaculture, it can support water circulation and aeration systems, particularly in remote locations without grid access. He added that the transition to solar energy is a flexible economic option that can begin with partial system integration and expand gradually, reducing dependence on conventional energy while lowering operational costs. It also contributes to reducing carbon emissions in line with sustainability and food security goals.
He called on farmers, breeders and investors to adopt renewable energy solutions and take practical steps towards gradual solar integration, highlighting its direct role in improving productivity and sustainability.
Al Safa Foods Company’s photovoltaic solar project stands as a leading example in this field. According to Badr bin Abdullah al Rashidi, Marketing Manager at the company, the initiative reflects a practical commitment to sustainability and production efficiency.
He said the project at the company’s farm in Thumrait spans a farm area of 65 sq km, with a solar energy system covering 91,000 square metres and a production capacity of 7 megawatts, using a smart solar tracking system to maximise efficiency. — ONA