MUSCAT: Efforts are underway to open up the promising Najd Agriculture Area in Dhofar Governorate to small and large-scale agricultural investment, a key official of the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources told the Observer.
Dr Khalid al Mashaikhi (pictured), in-charge of the Najd Agricultural Development Office, said the investments are targeted at achieving a strategic national objective: Strengthening food security.
“The Najd Agriculture Development Area is open to everyone who can develop its potential to help strengthen food security in the Sultanate of Oman,” the official stated.
“The procedures are simple and easy for all categories of citizens, small and medium companies, or even large companies to participate in this initiative. All they have to do is submit a feasibility study report of their project plan and present it to our specialists for verification. Upon approval, the requested land will be allocated against an annual fee starting from RO 50 for the first 100 acres, with an added fee of RO 5 per every additional acre.”
Spanning of the wilayats of Thamrait, Al Mazyouna, Shaleem and Al Halaniyat Islands, and Maqshan, the Najd Agriculture Area covers a total area of around 80,000 sq kilometres.
Significantly, water for irrigation is available in most places in the Najd and in “good quantities” too. This is largely aquifer water that is partially replenished through floods and annually underground springs flowing north from the Dhofar Mountain Chain, Dhofar Governorate.
“The Najd area depends on groundwater resource and must therefore be managed in a sustainable way. Besides conserving this resource, it also needs to be recharged through the establishment of recharge dams north of the Dhofar mountain chain. These recharge dams store floodwater that feeds these aquifers,” Dr Al Mashaikhi explained.
Commenting on the types of crops that can be cultivated in the Najd, the official said emphasis will be given to crops that can help ease Oman’s dependence on imported produce.
“We realise that there is a deficit in the supply of some fruits and vegetables in the local market, which has to be met through imports. Examples are onion, potato and garlic – imports of which amount to around RO 65 million annually.”
Another area of interest is wheat cultivation, said Dr Al Mashaikhi. “The government is keen to partially support wheat farmers, notably by providing them with combine harvesters as well as part of the seeds and pesticide materials – all part of an effort to reduce their costs.”
Further, to help strengthen transportation and logistics in the area, the authorities plan to link the road network from Shisr to Saih Al Khayrat and thereby open up access to the Najd.
Additionally, a road network is planned to connect the individual farms and thereby facilitate the transport of fresh products to markets in Salalah and Muscat.
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