While majority of places in the Sultanate are often challenged by drought and heat, some are proving to be ideal for year-round farming. Masah, which is locate 10 kilometres away from the Wilayat of Mahdha in Al Buraimi Governorate, is one of the agricultural villages that fit this criteria.
The mountains surround the town from all sides which help the moderately cool atmosphere of the place throughout the year. Its location is also abundant with flowing water. There are two Aflaj, one of which is sweet and stemming from the belly of the valley, and another falaj with bitter sulphur flows throughout the year with the water collected in Jel; a dam-like container designated for collecting the water.
Khalid bin Saeed al Kaabi, one of the residents and farmers who is keen on growing different types of plants, explained that the most famous crops for their village include Shami saffron, cumin, broccoli, as well as peanuts, which achieved good production this year.
He added that the abundance of water throughout the year, the moderate climate and the use of natural fertilisers are important factors in the success of the cultivation of agricultural crops, especially peanuts, as the people and farmers in the village are keen not to introduce non-local fertilisers (chemical fertilisers). It is one of the factors that help in the cultivation of various seasonal agricultural crops and other types of soil fertility that makes the place unique.
On the success of peanut cultivation, Al Kaabi explained that this crop has been planted previously and has achieved success and abundant production, knowing that the season of this crop is in January and February, but thankfully grows the whole year long in Masah.
“We have abundant production of the peanut crop. Now, we are in June, its growing season has ended in other places but we still have it. It can be planted more than once or twice and gives abundant production due to the nature of the place, the temperate climate, the fertility of the land, the abundance of water and the location of the village between a chain of mountains.
Al Kaabi added that after the crop is harvested, it is transferred to a sunny and open place called (Al-Janour) and placed for several days to dry, then transported to homes where peanuts are included in several local meals that are used on some occasions. In addition to the cultivation of peanuts, the people grow many crops, fruits and vegetables, as well as many varieties of palm trees, lemons, mangoes, figs and grapes, in addition to the other varieties.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
