IBRI: Al Dhahirah Governorate recorded a decline in red palm weevil infections during the second quarter of 2025, thanks to intensive field campaigns under the Integrated Management Project for Red Palm Weevil Control.
Control teams handled 601 new infestations between April and June. April saw the highest number with 217 cases, where 171 palms were treated and 46 removed. In May, infestations fell to 203 cases (170 treated, 33 removed), and in June, dropped further to 181 cases (153 treated, 28 removed).
The steady decline reflects the effectiveness of technical interventions and awareness campaigns led by the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah.
Eng Salem bin Musabah al Kalbani, Director of the Agricultural Development Department, said that field teams are conducting inspections, treatments and awareness meetings with farmers to promote early reporting. He noted that intensified surveys of home gardens and strengthened community partnerships have further curbed the pest’s spread.
Al Kalbani emphasised the media’s role in raising awareness about early detection and control methods, which has fostered greater community cooperation and faster intervention.
Farmer Hamdan bin Salim al Mandhari from Ibri praised the directorate’s technical support in treating infestations on his farm of 670 palms, where 86 were infected. He highlighted training workshops, pesticide supplies and regular field visits by the directorate’s teams, stressing that joint efforts remain key to protecting date palms — a national resource of economic and social importance.
The directorate confirmed it will continue strengthening rapid response systems, technical support and awareness campaigns to preserve palm trees and reinforce food security across Oman. – ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
