SALALAH: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, has signed a usufruct contract for a major agricultural investment project in the Wilayat of Thamrait, Dhofar Governorate. The initiative involves the cultivation of Moringa trees over an expansive area of 10.5 million square metres in Hanfit, with a total investment value exceeding RO 5.3 million.
The signing ceremony was held in the presence of HH Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar; Dr Khalfan bin Said al Shueili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning; Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources; and representatives from Trufud, the company tasked with implementing the project.
This large-scale agricultural venture aims to integrate agriculture with processing industries and global supply chains, representing a new direction in sustainable agribusiness development in Oman. It aligns with national efforts to enhance food security while fostering environmentally responsible investments.
Expected to yield annual revenues of RO 4 to 5 million through the export of Moringa-based products, the project will target high-demand international markets, including North America, Europe and Asia. In addition to its commercial potential, the initiative will create over 500 direct employment opportunities, along with numerous indirect jobs in supply, packaging and logistics. These prospects are set to stimulate local entrepreneurship and contribute to socio-economic development in the Dhofar Governorate.
Environmental sustainability is also at the core of the project, with plans to plant around 15 million Moringa trees. This plantation is projected to absorb more than 400,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, significantly supporting Oman’s climate mitigation strategies and the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
This project serves as a model for future agri-industrial investments in the Sultanate of Oman, combining economic returns with positive social and environmental impact. — ONA
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