Al JABAL AL AKHDHAR: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has successfully introduced the cultivation of blueberry trees in the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. This milestone is part of the ministry’s strategy to promote agricultural projects of high economic value, particularly in cold mountainous regions.
Spanning 1,000 square metres, the project includes 500 blueberry seedlings from four Southern Highbush varieties imported from the Republic of Georgia.
Each plant produces between 3 to 5 kilogrammes of fruit annually. Engineer Muhannad bin Al Khattab al Hinai, the project’s visionary, highlighted its focus on sustainable practices, including modern irrigation systems, periodic use of organic fertilisers and innovative soil management with pine wood to enrich the growing medium.
The initiative not only diversifies local agricultural crops but also capitalises on the cold hours — 200 to 400 hours below 7°C — that Al Jabal Al Akhdhar naturally provides. The blueberry-picking season runs from May to late June, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to experience picking fruit and learning about sustainable agriculture.
The Ministry has supported this project by enhancing local plant productivity, promoting innovation and bolstering food security. Its broader efforts include optimising water use, adopting advanced technologies and preparing national cadres to sustain Oman’s natural resources for future generations. — ONA
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