AL DHAHIRAH: The General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate is driving significant progress in Oman’s agricultural sector through strategic projects that aim to bolster the local economy and enhance food security.
With 22 investment projects implemented, covering a total area of 3,000 acres and valued at RO 7.5 million, these initiatives are focused on cultivating essential crops like wheat, onions, and other agricultural products to meet growing market demands and reduce reliance on imports.
Eng Salem bin Ali Al Amrani, Director General of the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah Governorate, emphasized the importance of these projects in developing the agricultural landscape.
Highlighting the cultivation of onions as a key focus, he noted that two major projects are underway. The first spans 1,000 acres, while the second covers 600 acres, with both projects employing modern agricultural techniques to maximize yield and efficiency.
A notable initiative within this framework is the agreement signed with Dhank Agricultural Production and Marketing Company to cultivate and produce red onions in Wilayat Dhank. Supported by funding from the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, the project initially encompasses 50 acres, with an anticipated annual yield of 700 tonnes of red onions. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources has pledged both technical and financial support to ensure the project’s success. This partnership reflects a strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors to elevate Oman’s agricultural production.
Beyond the immediate impact on onion production, the directorate is preparing 30 additional investment opportunities in 2024. These ventures span diverse agricultural, animal, and water resource sectors, offering significant potential for economic growth and sustainable development in Al Dhahirah Governorate.
Eng Al Amrani underlined that the onion cultivation projects mark a critical step toward reducing Oman’s reliance on imported onions and increasing the self-sufficiency rate for this essential crop. This aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources’ broader vision of fostering sustainable agricultural practices and empowering the private sector’s role in agricultural development.
The red onion project in Dhank, specifically, serves as a model for expanding onion cultivation across the Sultanate. Utilising advanced agricultural techniques, the initiative is expected to yield high-quality produce, effectively meeting local market demands.
Moreover, it demonstrates the potential of the private sector to contribute significantly to Oman’s agricultural ambitions.
With a strong focus on strategic crops and innovative farming methods, Al Dhahirah Governorate is poised to become a cornerstone of Oman’s agricultural and food security strategies. The combination of government support, private sector collaboration, and sustainable practices underscores the governorate’s commitment to achieving self-sufficiency and securing a robust agricultural future for the Sultanate of Oman. - ONA
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