Flour from ‘grown in Oman’ wheat soon to hit stands

It has been common now that the Sultanate of Oman has well-diversified its growth in the non-oil sector from total dependence on oil. But very few know the country’s inroads into agriculture, which has seen tremendous growth in recent years.

And the result is coming as a pleasant surprise in the form of ‘made in Oman’ flour from ‘grown in Oman wheat’.

In a latest ‘teaser’ Oman Flour Mills announced the launch of flour made of wheat produced in the Sultanate of Oman. The flour mills’ Dahabi range of products has already emerged as a popular brand in the Sultanate.

The question is where so much of wheat is coming from, that too, to the extent of commercial production?

A recent report of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources indicated a 19 per cent growth in wheat production, with a total production of 2,649 tonnes during the 2020-2021 agricultural season.

There was also a jump in acreage under wheat cultivation. It jumped 19.6 per cent to 2,449 acres, while the number of farmers engaged in the crop increased by 5.5 per cent, the ministry’s report said.

Most of the wheat in the Sultanate of Oman comes from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate that accounted for 45 per cent (1,109 acres) of the total area under wheat cultivation and produced 55 per cent (1,465.6 tons) of the total output.

A'Dhahirah Governorate came next with 576.5 acres under cultivation and 650 tonnes of output. In third place is Dhofar Governorate with 360 tonnes of production. The combined output of Governorates of North and South al Batinah came at 83.6 tonnes.

Other governorates contributed 89.8 tonnes of wheat production.

The Oman Flour Mills is coming true to its commitment. A few months ago, Salah Hilal al Maawali, Chairman of Board of Directors, had indicated the launch of a new product range based on Omani wheat.

Majorly a state-owned company, the Oman Flour Mills commands the status of the biggest flour miller in the Sultanate.

In his Q1 report, al Maawali had assured support to the local wheat growers, which is coming true with the range of products in which Omani wheat will be used.