MUSCAT: The 2026 project to localise turmeric and ginger cultivation in Dhofar Governorate represents a qualitative leap in food security and economic diversification in the Sultanate of Oman, enhancing the presence of Omani agriculture in local and regional markets.
The project is financially supported by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund and directly supervised by the Directorate General of Agricultural and Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources in Dhofar Governorate, in line with the government's directives to increase self-sufficiency and strengthen the agricultural sector's contribution to the national economy.
Relevant authorities confirmed that the project contributes to transforming traditional agriculture in mountainous and rural areas into an integrated production system by providing technical and marketing support to farmers and introducing modern agricultural technologies and smart irrigation systems to conserve water and improve production efficiency.
During the 2026 season, the project recorded remarkable production results, with approximately 98,447.5 kilogrammes of turmeric received across Dhofar Governorate and approximately 468 kilogrammes of ginger produced.
Eighty-seven farmers from various districts within the governorate participated, and the products were readily available at the Salalah Central Market. The Wilayat of Dhalkut led in production volume with a total exceeding 52,000 kilograms of turmeric and 215 kilograms of ginger, followed by the Wilayats of Rakhyut, Salalah, and Mirbat. This reflects the gradual expansion of the project and its success in attracting more farmers.
In this context, the Oman Agriculture Development Company continued purchasing turmeric from local farmers for the third consecutive season through designated collection points. This step aims to enhance the sustainability of local production and open stable marketing channels for Omani farmers.
The project also witnessed significant development in the processing industries with the establishment of the Dhofar Mountains Turmeric Factory, the first of its kind in the Middle East for processing and packaging turmeric. This contributes to increasing the added value of the local product and enhancing export opportunities to regional and international markets.
Regarding the ginger project, production in its second phase increased to approximately 2.5 tons, with the expansion of modern agricultural technologies and advanced irrigation methods. This is part of a plan aimed at reducing reliance on imports and encouraging the cultivation of highly profitable cash crops. The project is viewed as a promising investment platform linking the agricultural sector with manufacturing industries, offering opportunities in the production of spices, medicinal extracts, and nutritional supplements, as well as investments in packaging, greenhouses, specialized nurseries, logistics, and cold storage.
These projects align with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to increase self-sufficiency in basic food commodities to over 75%, raise the contribution of the agricultural, fisheries, and water resources sector to the GDP to over 2%, and attract investments exceeding RO 1.3 billion in the food security sector and related industries.
Experts believe that the success of the project to localize turmeric and ginger cultivation in Dhofar reflects the Omani agricultural sector's ability to transform into a productive economic sector based on innovation and added value, thus enhancing the Sultanate of Oman's position among the leading countries regionally in food security and sustainable agriculture.
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