Oman: No shortage for fruits and vegetables
Ministry coordinated with exporters, those in charge of agricultural quarantine outlets
Musact: Due to the rains pounding Indian states, there has been a lull in the vegetable trading in Oman as a result of shipping and transportation delays. To ease the situation, Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources dispatched a field team to meet those in charge of administration at the central market for vegetables and fruits, the Oman News Agency (ONA) reported.
The teams took measures to ensure continuous supply of vegetables, especially onions, whose supply had been effected, to be made available in the market.
The Ministry also coordinated with the exporters and those in charge of agricultural quarantine outlets at Al Wajajah Port, Sohar Port, Sohar Central Market, and the General Administration of Customs to facilitate a seamless passage of shipments and supply them directly to the central markets for fruits and vegetables. These efforts resulted in 2,200 tons of Indian, Pakistani and Iranian onions reach the markets and stablilised the supply chain in Omani markets. Another 1,700 tonnes of onions will reach the market in the coming days, ONA reported.
This year also witnessed Oman’s own farms complement the market demand in a much bigger way than usual. The various private farms in Jabal Akhdar, Mudhaibi and Nizwa areas, recorded a marked increase in production with newer techniques and assistance from the Ministry.
Abundant
Pomegranate farming started last week in the mountains of Jabal Akhdar, which is now abundant in the markets, along with other local crops like, lemons, orange, mango, banana and coconut.
Wasim Al Hadi, a farmer who has been successfully farming and selling various seasonal fruits and vegetables, said the role played by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is very commendable. “The ministry assists farmers with land resources, seedlings and saplings and training on the various new methods of farming through periodical visits and discussions. We hope more Omanis join the farming community in Oman which is very promising.”
It is pertinent to note that the second biggest aquaponics farm in the region is in Oman.