Oman commemorates Agriculture Day by emphasizing green innovation and food security.

Today, October 31, Oman observes Oman Agriculture Day under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources.

Muscat: The Ministry has shown notable advancements in Oman’s water resource, fisheries, and agriculture sectors, with a focus on environmental resilience and food security.

With 5.5 million acres of arable or reclaimable land, or 7.5% of the country’s total land area, Oman has a remarkable agricultural capacity, according to the Ministry’s 2023 annual report. With 256 Omani employees, 18 quarantines, 26 research institutions, and a robust agricultural infrastructure, the country’s varied climate offers a great basis for expansion. This year, the cultivated area amounted to 293,000 acres, and the average growth rate of plant output from 2019 to 2023 has been 5.2%.

Oman’s strong production rates—77% for veggies, 97% for dates, and 26% for other fruits—evidence its commitment to self-sufficiency. despite an 11% increase in agricultural imports totaling RO 1,295 million and a 14.4% increase in exports.

The Food Security Laboratories Programme, a major contributor to this goal, is a cooperative effort that brings together government, academia, the private sector, and civil society partners to increase local investment in agricultural projects while promoting food production, technology adoption, and job creation for Omani citizens.

Important issues including enhancing water-use efficiency, controlling soil health, and developing insect control initiatives are still being addressed by Oman’s agricultural research. The Ministry’s projects include the yearly Palm Dubas management, which covered more than 35,000 acres in 2023, the national strategy for date palm agriculture, and pest control programs like the integrated crop management system for tomatoes.

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