NIZWA: A flourishing grape cultivation project in Tanuf village, located in the Wilayat of Nizwa in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, is emerging as a model for food security and agricultural innovation in Oman. Backed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project receives technical support and expert guidance aimed at enhancing productivity and quality.
Spanning one and a half acres, the project’s first phase features around 1,000 carefully selected grape seedlings suited to the region’s climate. This season, it has yielded approximately 3 tonnes of high-quality grapes, with production expected to grow as more vines reach maturity.
Issa bin Saif al Riyami, the project owner, said that the first phase cost over RO 16,000, covering infrastructure, modern irrigation systems, trellises, nurseries and ongoing technical operations.
He noted that grape varieties were imported from Syria, Lebanon, Italy, Spain and Finland to ensure resilience to pests and suitability for local conditions. Tanuf’s fertile soil and favourable climate make it ideal for grape cultivation, positioning it as one of Oman’s leading grape-producing regions.
“This project is part of a broader vision to invest in natural resources and contribute to national food security”, Al Riyami said. “It aims to diversify agricultural output, create jobs and revive traditional farming with modern techniques”.
Marketing is underway through local outlets, with grapes retailing at RO 2 per kilogramme. Plans are also in place to expand the cultivated area, introduce new varieties and develop facilities for sorting and packaging. Al Riyami is exploring future investments in value-added processing industries, such as juices and raisins, to enhance economic returns and open up export opportunities.
The project continues to be closely supported by the ministry, reinforcing its potential as a replicable success story in sustainable agriculture. — ONA
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