Oman: RO6.5 mln pact signed for smart agri project

Published 06 Jan,2021 via Muscat Daily - The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resource signed an agreement on Wednesday to implement a smart agriculture project in the wilayat of Al Kamil W’Al Wafi in South Sharqiyah.

Under the agreement, the ministry will lease 100 acres of land to Agricultural and Fisheries Development Company for RO6.5mn to produce 2,400 tonnes of vegetables.

The agreement was signed by H E Dr Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Abdullah bin Muhammad al Siyabi, general manager of the company.

The project aims to increase yield of a variety of vegetable crops, extending production seasons, and raise the quality of local produce.

‘This agreement comes within the framework of joint cooperation between the public and private sectors and the directions of Oman Vision 2040 to stimulate investment, especially in the fields of agriculture and veterinary, to achieve local food security and create job opportunities for citizens,’ the ministry stated.

The project focuses on introducing advanced technologies in the agricultural sector and raising efficiency of agricultural resources. Additionally, it will benefit Omani youth of the wilayat of Al Kamil W’Al Wafi.

The project includes greenhouses, and the use of cultivation techniques without soil, open field farming techniques, mechanised production, sorting and processing facilities, wireless agricultural meteorological inputs, and modern irrigation networks.

A variety of vegetables will be cultivated, and an area of 150,000sqm will be allocated for winter crops, including cherry tomatoes and sweet peppers of different colours, which are in demand in the domestic market, to reduce import requirements.

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