Thumrait: In the Najd agricultural area of Dhofar Governorate, the total wheat cultivation spans roughly 6,400 acres across 52 farms, with an anticipated yield of 6,000 tons for the 2024/2025 agricultural season.
The harvesting process for farmers in Najd commenced in early April of this year, overseen by the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, in partnership with the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund.
According to Eng. Fael Mohammed Al Jahfali, the Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar, the area dedicated to farming this season in Najd totals 6,400 acres, a decrease from last season's 7,600 acres across 84 farms. He mentioned that 13 harvesters were made available to assist the farmers during this period.
He clarified that the reduction in wheat cultivation this season stems from some farmers opting for other crops, influenced by shifting environmental and economic factors. Furthermore, the increasing number of farmers applying for governmental wheat subsidies has led many to seek out alternative crops that offer better economic benefits. Crops like onions, tomatoes, fodder, garlic, and various vegetables, which use less water and provide quicker returns, have become more popular.
Al Jahfali pointed out that the ministry supplied 30 tons of wheat seeds, with a 50% subsidy, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Fisheries Development Fund. Additionally, the ministry provided free wheat harvesters and streamlined the process for farmers to transport their wheat to Oman Flour Mills Company.
He underlined the significance of wheat in ensuring food security, recognizing it as one of the essential and economically important crops. The ministry remains dedicated to enhancing its cultivation throughout Oman, specifically in Najd, which offers ample agricultural land and favorable groundwater resources for farming.
Simultaneously, the ministry has launched various incentives to motivate farmers to increase both the quantity and quality of wheat cultivation. These initiatives involve providing improved seed varieties, including "Najd 1," "Najd 2," "Wadi Qurayat 110, 308, 226, 227," "Jibreen," and "Koli. "
It is important to highlight that the ministry's goal is to enhance and broaden wheat farming by supplying seeds and harvesting equipment to farmers while also offering agricultural support through cooperation with the Omani Farmers' Association.
