AL JABAL AL AKHDHAR: The production of olive oil in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar during the last season exceeded 10,000 litres, with sales valued at approximately RO 200,000, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Omair bin Mohammed al Fahdi, Head of the Agricultural Development and Water Resources Department in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, confirmed that the ministry is currently planting 5,000 olive tree seedlings imported from Italy, following the successful adaptation of this variety to the region’s climate. This initiative is being supported by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund.
He added that olive cultivation is gaining significant popularity among farmers in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar due to its economic potential, providing a valuable source of income for many families. The expansion of olive cultivation continues to be a priority.
The ministry, through the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is implementing plans to further increase olive tree cultivation in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. This includes allocating agricultural lands for interested investors, recognising the crop’s economic benefits for citizens.
The total area cultivated with olive trees in Al Jabal Al Akhdar spans around 50 acres, comprising over 17,000 trees. These trees are planted in farms, homes and public spaces, with successful varieties including Jalat Abu Shoka, Dan, Surani, Cornica, Coratina, Khadri, Malaqi, Shamlai, Qaisi, Arab Queen, and others.
Planting olive trees not only contributes to farmers' income, but also adds nutritional, health and medicinal value to olive oil. Additionally, it supports environmental and tourism initiatives, while creating economic opportunities through processing industries using olive oil and press waste. The olive harvest in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar begins in mid-September and extends until mid-December each year. - ONA
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