Muscat: Salim bin Said Al Azizi, a young and ambitious individual hailing from the wilayat of Dhank, embarked on a journey to fulfill his dream of cultivating Guava trees on his fertile land, transforming his passion into a successful agricultural venture.
This endeavor serves as a beacon of inspiration for others in the agricultural sector, particularly in the realm of diversifying agricultural products and achieving sustainability.
In an interview regarding his experience in growing Guava trees, he shared that the journey began four years ago with the planting of 100 Guava trees from various origins, including Indian, Omani, and Egyptian. The selection of these tree species was guided by the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, as they were deemed suitable for the climatic conditions of Oman.
He mentioned that the local demand for Guava fruit was a significant motivator for his venture. The trees have proven to be productive, with a harvest period spanning from February to July.
Regarding the productivity and marketing of Guava fruit, he highlighted that the average yield per tree is approximately forty-five kilograms, with this year's total production reaching four tonnes.
He explained that their products are sold at the local market and to neighboring areas, with an added appeal of offering a unique experience to customers. Families often visit the farm to personally pick the fruit, share their experiences through social media, and purchase Guava products.
He also acknowledged the challenges encountered during the cultivation of Guava trees, particularly the extreme temperatures that occasionally reach 50 °C, in addition to the issue of insect infestation. However, he noted that with the adoption of modern cultivation techniques and the support of the Agricultural Counselling Technician from the Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources Department in the Wilayat of Dhank, these challenges were successfully navigated.
In conclusion, Salim Al Azizi expressed his ambition to expand the cultivation area of Guava trees and to increase their productivity to meet the demands of local markets.
