Oman advances Net-Zero drive in agriculture sector

MUSCAT: The agriculture and livestock sectors in Oman are witnessing an expansion in the adoption of natural and innovative solutions supporting Net-Zero, through the implementation of a number of targeted national initiatives and projects.
The agriculture, fisheries and water sectors represent vital sectors capable of contributing to emissions reduction, improving natural resource use efficiency, and enhancing food security.
Oman is adopting the concept of smart agriculture as one of the main pillars for strengthening food security and environmental sustainability, through the application of smart irrigation systems, hydroponics and vertical farming, and the use of drones, artificial intelligence technologies, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve production efficiency and reduce water, energy, and chemical fertiliser consumption.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources continues its national efforts to enhance Net-Zero and reduce carbon emissions by developing a sustainable agricultural system, enhancing vegetation cover, and adopting modern agricultural and water technologies.
This supports Oman's transition towards a low‑carbon green economy to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability.
The ministry is implementing smart fertilisation systems based on artificial intelligence, which enable the analysis of plant needs and the precise provision of nutrients. This contributes to reducing fertiliser waste, lowering environmental pollution and emissions, and increasing agricultural production efficiency.
Dr Ali bin Obaid al Adawi, Director of the Agriculture Research Department in Al Batinah North, stated that the adoption of modern agricultural technologies and the expansion of green areas represent a fundamental pillar in achieving Net-Zero targets in Oman.
He explained that estimates from the National Centre for Net-Zero indicate that emissions associated with the crop, livestock and aquaculture sectors, according to the Net-Zero pathway up to 2024, amount to approximately 1.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.
He noted that the ministry is working to reduce these emissions through the implementation of several projects and initiatives that rely on sustainable solutions and technologies.
He added that the agriculture and livestock sectors have witnessed the implementation and monitoring of 11 projects and initiatives up to the first quarter of 2026.
These include afforestation and blue carbon projects, organic fertiliser and sustainable animal feed production, in addition to a research project in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) to evaluate the cultivation of the Maius (Ghaf) tree as a promising species for carbon sequestration, timber production and enhancing ecosystem sustainability.
He further stated that the Animal Production Research Centre is undertaking research and development efforts to improve animal feed efficiency and utilise local feed resources and agricultural residues.
This contributes to reducing production costs and lowering emissions associated with the livestock sector. He noted that, through research studies, diets based on moringa, palm fronds, and other local components have been used, which can reduce feed costs by more than 58 per cent and the cost per kilogramme of live weight gain by more than 63 per cent without affecting productive performance or animal health, thereby enhancing both environmental and economic sustainability.
He also indicated that the ministry places great importance on enhancing vegetation cover as a natural solution supporting carbon emissions reduction.
Extensive programmes have been implemented to distribute fruit and fodder trees within rural development projects and environmental initiatives.
The number of fruit trees distributed during the period from 2020 to 2025 exceeded 600,000 trees, including various varieties such as mango, Omani lemon, pomegranate, fig, jujube, and grafted lote trees.
He stated that one of the most prominent national initiatives in this regard is the 'OQ Green' initiative, launched by OQ Group in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources during the period (2022-2025). The initiative aims to enhance agricultural sustainability, achieve economic and social value for the local community, and contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
He explained that the initiative targets the cultivation of over a quarter of a million productive fruit trees, providing farmers with high‑quality, high‑yield seedlings, and increasing economic returns through the expansion of commercial fruit cultivation, in addition to supporting local content and engaging small and medium enterprises.
He mentioned that the ministry has implemented a project to plant approximately 3,000 Maius trees with support from Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), to study their suitability for the local environment and their carbon sequestration capacity.
He noted that research studies conducted by the Directorate-General of Agriculture and Animal Research have shown that a fully grown tree can absorb approximately 22 kilogrammes of carbon annually, while an agricultural area of approximately 10 acres could contribute to absorbing around 30 tonnes of carbon annually under ideal conditions.
He added that the seedling distribution programme, as part of the initiative, included the distribution of 169,943 seedlings for commercial farms, 19,802 seedlings for climate‑related compensation, 16,245 seedlings for farmers and 4,720 seedlings for investors.
It is expected that after five years, the initiative will contribute to the production of more than 10,290 tonnes of fruit with an estimated market value of up to RO 4.3 million, in addition to contributing to the absorption of approximately 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide gas annually.
Meanwhile, Eng Shabeeb bin Ali al Mahrooqi, Senior Agriculture Support Services Specialist at Oman Agriculture Development Company, stated that the company is implementing agricultural projects related to carbon reliance in partnership with the government and private entities, which enhances environmental sustainability efforts and supports the transition toward a green economy.
He added that Oman Agriculture Development Company, in collaboration with Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) and under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, launched a project to cultivate approximately 30,000 Omani lemon trees on the Rahb Farm in the Wilayat of Shaleem and Al Hallaniyat Islands, covering an area of approximately 96 hectares.
He pointed out that the project contributes to increasing Omani lemon production by 38 per cent, raising annual output by approximately 3,000 additional tonnes, in addition to its role in combating desertification, enhancing vegetation cover, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
He explained that the 'Rima' Project in Al Wusta Governorate is considered a pioneering initiative in the field of sustainable agriculture. The project aims to cultivate 150,000 jojoba trees over an area of approximately 150 hectares, through a partnership between Oman Agriculture Development Company, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), and the ministry. He noted that the project is distinguished by its ability to support carbon credit programmes and combat desertification, given the jojoba trees' tolerance to salinity, low water requirements and long productive lifespan.
He stated that these projects represent practical models of integrated national efforts to address climate change, enhance food security and achieve sustainable agricultural development in Oman. - ONA