Latest news with #Dakhliyah
Zawya
5 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Tanuf vineyard boosts Oman's food security, eyes export potential
Nizwa – Grape cultivation in the village of Tanuf in Dakhliyah is emerging as a promising model for food security and agricultural innovation in Oman. With increasing support from Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), grape farming is showing notable growth both in yield and ambition. Launched on a 1.5 acre plot, the vineyard began with 1,000 grape seedlings. This season, it produced three tonnes of fruit, with output expected to rise in the next harvest as more vines mature. The farm benefits from technical supervision and regular agricultural consultations provided by MAFWR. Farmer Issa bin Saif al Riyami said the first phase of his vineyard cost more than RO16,000, included setting up the farm, installing modern irrigation systems, constructing trellises, building seedling nurseries and other operational expenses. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
03-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Wheat production in Oman surpasses 10,000t in 2024-2025 season
Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has announced substantial growth in wheat production across the sultanate following successful implementation of a national wheat support plan launched in early 2023. The plan forms part of wider national efforts to strengthen food security and achieve self-sufficiency in key crops. Total wheat production in the 2024-2025 season reached 10,128.341 tonnes with market value of over RO3mn The cultivated area in this season totalled 8,327 acres, reflecting increasing interest in and support for local wheat farming. Dhofar led production efforts with 7,723 tonnes harvested accounting for 76% of the total national output. It was followed by Dhahirah with 1,118 tonnes and Dakhliyah with 877.185 tonnes. Dr Khair al Busaidi, Director of Palm and Plant Production Department at MAFWR, said that the wheat support plan aligns with objectives of Oman Vision 2040, which aims to improve the sultanate's food security. 'The plan focuses on enabling farmers to cultivate enhanced wheat varieties known for high yield and quality,' said Busaidi. 'The ministry provides technical guidance, advisory services and support for harvesting operations to ensure sustainable production.' Busaidi also noted that MAFWR is working closely with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to expand wheat cultivation by allocating new agricultural land for investment through usufruct agreements. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Nizwa vineyard venture boosts agriculture, tourism
Nizwa – Issa Saif al Riyami, a farmer in Nizwa, has turned a passion for farming into a successful commercial venture. This year, he cultivated four varieties of grapes – Halawani, Green Spanish, Red Italian and Finnish – on a one-and-a-half-acre farm. Riyami overcame early irrigation challenges by adopting drip irrigation, a move he described as essential for maintaining quality and conserving water. 'Using modern irrigation is crucial,' he said. 'It allows us to conserve water and maintain high-quality, consistent harvests.' Encouraged by this season's yield, Riyami plans to expand the vineyard, introduce new varieties of grapes, and focus on quality improvements to meet demands of local and regional markets. He also intends to promote Omani grapes through exhibitions and agricultural festivals, while building better market access for domestic produce. In a first for Dakhliyah, Riyami has introduced agritourism on his farm, offering visitors the chance to participate in grape picking and learn about sustainable farming. This initiative, he believes, can raise public awareness and offer alternative income sources. 'Through agritourism, people forge a connection with their food's source and value the effort behind each harvest,' he said. 'It's a learning journey and a community builder.' Riyami urged the younger generation to see farming as a viable career. 'Agriculture is not just work; it's a passion and an opportunity for the future. It is a promising sector that can enhance our national economy.' © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
12-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dakhliyah records 415,000 tourists visiting in 2024
Nizwa – The Governorate of Dakhliyah welcomed more than 415,000 visitors in 2024, marking a growth of over 32% compared to the previous year, according to data released by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism. Home to iconic heritage sites such as Nizwa Fort, Jabreen Castle and the Unesco World Heritage site of Bahla Fort, the governorate continues to solidify its position as one of the country's key cultural tourism hubs. Fakhriya bint Khamis al Ghassaniyah, Director of the Department of Tourism Product Development and Experiences at the ministry, confirmed that 2025 will see the rollout of an ambitious tourism development plan focused on diversifying tourism offerings and enriching visitor experiences. The ministry, in coordination with governors' offices across the sultanate, is implementing a series of qualitative projects as part of its wider tourism strategy. 'These projects aim to enhance the quality of the tourism product and broaden the range of experiences available to visitors, positioning Oman as a well-rounded and integrated tourist destination,' said Fakhriya. She added that the ministry remains committed to promoting cultural tourism as a cornerstone of its diversification strategy, with a strong focus on preserving and celebrating national identity. In line with this, the ministry has launched the Omani Food and Culinary Tourism programme, which includes initiatives such as documenting traditional Omani cuisine and developing culinary tourism itineraries. These experiences feature guided visits to traditional kitchens and restaurants serving authentic local dishes. 'The culinary programme not only highlights Omani gastronomy as a unique tourism attraction but also boosts the local economy,' Fakhriya said.
