Hamad bin Masoud al Sinani, his sons and grandchildren, begin their day early at their farm, which is located in Al Madah in the Wilayat of Nizwa. They are busy picking the black grapes or Ahshal.
Each of them takes turns in the harvest. They take small baskets made of date palm fronds to collect the shiny bunch of globules. Each of them fills his basket with what he can. Children also help in this harvest. It is a labour of love that brings cheer to all in the household.
Farmers are getting ready to harvest grapes across Oman. @MAFWR_OM #Oman #Grapes #Muscat #Fruits pic.twitter.com/nFwkPOhZ7i
— Oman Observer (@OmanObserver) June 20, 2021
Al Sinani said that preparations for the grape harvest begin in February with the pruning of leaves. Grapevines are also given support with wooden planks. Then, cow or sheep dung is sprinkled to boost the yield. The fish residue is also added on top of it.
“We start the grape harvest at the beginning of June till the end of the same month. The production, thank God, is abundant and is estimated at about 300 to 400 kilos. We sell harvested grapes in the Nizwa market by auction or sell them in vegetable and fruit stores where the price of a kilo ranges between RO 2 and RO 3.”
Grape cultivation is widespread in many wilayats of the Sultanate especially in the mountainous regions, which are characterised by moderate temperatures in the summer.
The fertility of the soil and the abundance of water throughout the year also support grape cultivation. Grapes offer a great economic return for farmers
The availability of fertile soil and freshwater whether from Aflaj or wells contributes greatly to the success of grape cultivation.
In the Sultanate black, white, and Lebanese grapes are cultivated.
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