Muscat: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has sanctioned the planting of over 21,000 date palm seedlings across more than 200 acres during the last two seasons (2023/2024 and 2024/2025).
Additionally, more than 100,000 fruit seedlings of various types and varieties have been approved for planting over an area exceeding 700 acres, which have been allocated to eligible farmers across different governorates.
The ministry highlighted that by establishing model fields, it seeks to promote sustainable agricultural development, enhance production efficiency, and bolster food security through the dissemination of modern agricultural technologies and the introduction of new and improved varieties of fruits and date palms.
Furthermore, it aims to assist farmers by offering technical guidance and advanced agricultural technologies, thereby contributing to the enhancement of their economic incomes in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.
Engineer Yahya bin Hamdan Al Saadi, Head of the Horticultural Crops Department at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, stated that the ministry is undertaking extensive efforts to ensure the successful establishment of model fields for certain trees. These initiatives include providing advisory and technical services to farmers through field visits, inspections, workshops, and lectures, collaborating with the Development Bank to offer incentives and financing for agricultural projects, particularly model fields, and promoting on the Tatweer platform, in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, to develop sites for agricultural lands under the usufruct system for date palms and fruit trees.
Furthermore, the ministry is collaborating with various institutions, including private sector companies and the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, to assist farmers through initiatives and programs focused on enhancing the palm and fruit tree industry.
Engineer Yahya Al-Saadi clarified that farmers are receiving support in line with Ministerial Resolution No. 228/2024, which establishes symbolic pricing as assistance for farmers interested in participating in this initiative.
He highlighted that palm tree seedlings and saplings are being provided to qualified farmers across different governorates in the Sultanate of Oman, taking into account their comparative advantages.
The Head of the Horticultural Crops Department noted that the Tissue Culture Research Center in Jamah, located in the Wilayat of Bahla within the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate and associated with the Oman Agriculture Development Company, is the source of tissue culture palm seedlings.
Established in 1992, the Centre aims to propagate superior varieties of date palms and other plants, utilizing tissue culture technology to generate high-quality, disease-free seedlings to bolster the national agricultural sector.
In parallel, enhanced fruit seedlings are cultivated and propagated by the agricultural research departments under the General Directorate of Agricultural and Animal Research at the Ministry.
Engineer Yahya bin Hamdan Al Saadi highlighted that the aim of the Model Fields Programme is to improve food security by achieving a level of self-sufficiency for specific crops in commercial fields. This initiative focuses on supplying the market with high-quality local date and fruit products, while also providing a substantial source of income for farm owners and their employees. Additionally, it aims to equip farmers with the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage and sustain these fields.
He noted that the model fields feature the cultivation of high-quality, productive varieties that have been selected and propagated by the Ministry’s agricultural research experts. Among the various date palm varieties are Fardh, Khalas, Bonarnja, Barni Majhool, and Fuhol. In terms of fruit seedlings, there are several types and varieties available, including Omani lemons, Adalia lemons, mangoes, figs, Mustafel, quince, and more.
