Muscat: Oman’s fruit farms are set for a juicy end to the season. Pomegranates are grown in the mountainous Jebel Akhdar region where there are approximately around 28,000 trees that bring in an estimated revenue of OMR 3 million annually.
“The semi-Mediterranean climate is conducive to grow some rare fruits, such as pomegranate, figs, lemon, almond and olives,”, says Waseem who is a resident of the region. The harvest season is a popular attraction of this region, which of course is a no-show this year for visitors due to the pandemic.
The fruit crop nevertheless is thriving as always and the local fruit markets have already recorded a good supply of this fruit known for its succulent variety and the medicinal properties. Though the harvest season starts from September and goes on until October end, most of the farms do get an early harvest of this fruit.
There are many farmers in this region and specifically in the villages of Seeq, Al Shraigah and Saloot and their neighbouring areas, who, cater not only to the domestic demand but also sell their produce to the neighbouring UAE and other GCC countries. “The pomegranates grown in Oman have softer seeds and are sweeter, hence much sought after,” Waseem informed Gulf News.
Abdullah Salem Al Khalidi from Al Mudaibi, a town 150 kilometres from the capital Muscat, is very happy this year in spite of the pandemic and that’s mainly due to the grape harvest from his farm. His ten acre farm is located in the village of Rawda, Samad Al Shan in Mudaibi town. “We farm grapes in January when the weather is cool. Continuous attention is given to the crop, including right and consistent irrigation, pruning, manuring, and protection against pests. The fertile land and fresh water from aflaj (canals) are the main reasons for the success of the grape farming here,” Abdullah told Gulf News.
The harvesting of grapes starts in June and ends in August. Abdullah who started farming in 1998 grows black and green grapes in his farms and harvests approximately 1,500 KG in a season. There are many in Al Mudaibi like Abdullah who are engaged in grape farming, with guidance and mentoring from experts in the field. Figs, mangoes and oranges are other crops that are cultivated in this region.
