SALALAH: Dr Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, on Thursday toured farms in Al Najd area, in the Dhofar Governorate, where he took note of challenges facing the agriculture sector.
The visit aimed to devise appropriate solutions to the challenges, overcome common difficulties and provide support to workers in the field, in a manner that contributes to the development of agricultural activities and the realisation of sustainable agricultural development.
The minister was briefed about the progress made in ongoing investment projects being implemented by the ministry in partnership with the private sector. The briefing outlined initiatives to enhance food security, support investments, preserve natural resources and augment the volume of the added value of the agriculture sector.
The minister held a meeting with farmers and listened to their demands. He was briefed about the Wadi Ghazal initiative for harvesting frankincense trees, which is being implemented in cooperation with Amouage company, with funding from the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund. He listened to a full account about the stages of implementation of the project, in addition to training programmes for Omani cadres.
The briefing also highlighted the role of the project in applying sustainable harvesting practices, preserving frankincense trees and providing sustainable employment opportunities for the people of the governorate.
The visit touched on the process made in the Integrated Complex in Al Najd area and efforts made to boost productive projects in Dhofar Governorate.
Supported by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, the project will establish an integrated model for sustainable frankincense harvesting across approximately 1,500 acres in Wadi Gazelle.
The Wadi Ghazal initiative will introduce internationally recognised standards for sustainability, transparency and responsible harvesting to safeguard frankincense trees and ensure the resource remains viable for future generations.
As part of the project, field surveys will be carried out to assess the condition of trees, while harvesting volumes and production quality will be monitored in line with global best practices. Technical databases will also be developed to document production levels and quality standards, providing data to support future investment and sector development.
The project will include training, qualification and employment programmes for local communities, enabling residents to take part in harvesting and field monitoring activities under the supervision of international experts.
According to Amouage, the project will also help strengthen the value chain of Omani frankincense, improve product quality and expand access to international markets. It is expected to support downstream industries that rely on locally sourced natural ingredients.
Frankincense harvested from Wadi Gazelle will be processed at the Ain Dawkah factory and visitor centre, once operational, where it will be transformed into essential oils used in the production of luxury perfumes. — ONA
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
