Fostering agricultural entrepreneurship can strengthen Oman’s food security
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 25,2024 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 25,2024
Dr Ahmed al Hadhari, Head of the Agricultural Society in Dhofar, addressing a forum in Taqah earlier this week.
SALALAH, JUNE 25
The Sultanate of Oman has embarked on a resolute mission to achieve food security, characterized by the rollout of strategic programmes and investments encompassing all facets of the food economy – agriculture, farming, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, cold chain management, animal feed, and even vaccine production.
In an interview with the Observer, Dr Ahmed al Hadhari, head of the Agricultural Society in Dhofar Governorate, elucidated the significance of self-sufficiency in the context of the Sultanate's agricultural landscape.
'Food security entails guaranteeing our nation's nutritional independence,' asserted Dr Al Hadhari. 'It is the cornerstone of a robust Oman – one that cultivates an abundance of agricultural produce while ensuring its consistent market availability.'
The lynchpins of this strategy, according to Dr Al Hadhari, are twofold: bolstering agricultural production and safeguarding the integrity of Oman's arable land. 'Preserving our agricultural heritage – from fertile fields to verdant pastures – is paramount,' he underscores. 'Modern agricultural practices, encompassing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable methods, are vital to achieving this objective.' He highlighted in this regard the importance of fostering a spirit of agricultural entrepreneurship among Oman's youth, incentivizing their participation in this vital sector.
Playing an instrumental role in bolstering food security are a number of state-led projects. 'The establishment of Mazoon Dairy has significantly bolstered Oman's dairy industry,' said Dr Al Hadhari. Likewise, initiatives such as Dhofar Feed, Oman Flour Mills, and the shrimp farming project in Sharqiyah as testaments to the government's unwavering commitment to agricultural progress.
'Nakeel Oman Development plays a pivotal role in optimizing date palm cultivation, a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage,' he added.
Dr. Al Hadhari outlined the Agricultural Society's mission as a multifaceted endeavour. 'We collaborate with government entities to address the challenges faced by our farmers,' he explained. 'Our focus is on knowledge dissemination, guiding farmers in adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices. The Society champions the transfer of technical expertise and the judicious use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods.” The Agricultural Society's vision for the future is as ambitious as it is commendable. 'We envision a future where member farms flourish,'
Dr. Al Hadhari stated. This vision, he elaborated, hinges on forging sustainable partnerships and achieving shared objectives with the government. 'Our unwavering pursuit is to transform Oman's agricultural sector from tradition-bound practices to a bastion of economic viability,' he asserted, adding that localizing agricultural products, establishing effective marketing channels, and optimizing water usage are all integral to this transformation.
The cornerstone of achieving these objectives, Dr. Al Hadhari emphasizes, lies in collaboration. 'Robust partnerships with the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning are imperative,' he states. Cooperation with financial institutions and logistics companies is equally crucial, he underscores.
But the road to food security is not without its hurdles. He highlights the challenges of overlapping ministerial oversight, the dearth of dedicated headquarters for agricultural associations, and the burgeoning costs of agricultural land and inputs. 'The absence of post-harvest services and a streamlined agricultural marketing system also present significant obstacles,' he noted.
In conclusion, Dr Al Hadhari said the sector continues to be imbued with a sense of shared responsibility. 'The Agricultural Society is merely one thread in the intricate tapestry of food security. With unwavering support and collaborative efforts, we are confident that Oman can cultivate a future of agricultural abundance and sustainable economic prosperity.'
The Sultanate of Oman has embarked on a resolute mission to achieve food security, characterized by the rollout of strategic programmes and investments encompassing all facets of the food economy – agriculture, farming, fisheries, aquaculture, food processing, cold chain management, animal feed, and even vaccine production.
In an interview with the Observer, Dr Ahmed al Hadhari, head of the Agricultural Society in Dhofar Governorate, elucidated the significance of self-sufficiency in the context of the Sultanate's agricultural landscape.
'Food security entails guaranteeing our nation's nutritional independence,' asserted Dr Al Hadhari. 'It is the cornerstone of a robust Oman – one that cultivates an abundance of agricultural produce while ensuring its consistent market availability.'
The lynchpins of this strategy, according to Dr Al Hadhari, are twofold: bolstering agricultural production and safeguarding the integrity of Oman's arable land. 'Preserving our agricultural heritage – from fertile fields to verdant pastures – is paramount,' he underscores. 'Modern agricultural practices, encompassing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable methods, are vital to achieving this objective.' He highlighted in this regard the importance of fostering a spirit of agricultural entrepreneurship among Oman's youth, incentivizing their participation in this vital sector.
Playing an instrumental role in bolstering food security are a number of state-led projects. 'The establishment of Mazoon Dairy has significantly bolstered Oman's dairy industry,' said Dr Al Hadhari. Likewise, initiatives such as Dhofar Feed, Oman Flour Mills, and the shrimp farming project in Sharqiyah as testaments to the government's unwavering commitment to agricultural progress.
'Nakeel Oman Development plays a pivotal role in optimizing date palm cultivation, a cornerstone of our agricultural heritage,' he added.
Dr. Al Hadhari outlined the Agricultural Society's mission as a multifaceted endeavour. 'We collaborate with government entities to address the challenges faced by our farmers,' he explained. 'Our focus is on knowledge dissemination, guiding farmers in adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices. The Society champions the transfer of technical expertise and the judicious use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods.” The Agricultural Society's vision for the future is as ambitious as it is commendable. 'We envision a future where member farms flourish,'
Dr. Al Hadhari stated. This vision, he elaborated, hinges on forging sustainable partnerships and achieving shared objectives with the government. 'Our unwavering pursuit is to transform Oman's agricultural sector from tradition-bound practices to a bastion of economic viability,' he asserted, adding that localizing agricultural products, establishing effective marketing channels, and optimizing water usage are all integral to this transformation.
The cornerstone of achieving these objectives, Dr. Al Hadhari emphasizes, lies in collaboration. 'Robust partnerships with the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning are imperative,' he states. Cooperation with financial institutions and logistics companies is equally crucial, he underscores.
But the road to food security is not without its hurdles. He highlights the challenges of overlapping ministerial oversight, the dearth of dedicated headquarters for agricultural associations, and the burgeoning costs of agricultural land and inputs. 'The absence of post-harvest services and a streamlined agricultural marketing system also present significant obstacles,' he noted.
In conclusion, Dr Al Hadhari said the sector continues to be imbued with a sense of shared responsibility. 'The Agricultural Society is merely one thread in the intricate tapestry of food security. With unwavering support and collaborative efforts, we are confident that Oman can cultivate a future of agricultural abundance and sustainable economic prosperity.'