MUSCAT: The first batch of women trained under the 'Rifi' products programme are all set to engage in self-employment. The programme is a joint venture of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Al Moheet Training Institute and Dar Al Atta'a Association.
The first batch graduated under the auspices of Her Highness Dr Mona bint Fahd al Said, Assistant V-C, Sultan Qaboos University for International Cooperation.
At the mini-exhibition of rural women's products were showcased during the graduation ceremony. The 'Rifi' programme is designed to finance rural women's projects in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and the Oman Development Bank. The workshop aimed to empower rural women in the production, manufacturing, marketing, and strengthening of their leading role in rural community development, improving family income, and raising the economic and social level.
Dr Masoud bin Suleiman al Azri, General Director of the General Directorate of Planning, said, "The participation of rural women and entrepreneurs reflects their national responsibility. They have worked and contributed to creating a conducive rural economic environment that stimulates local food security, sustainability, and the preservation of agricultural, fishery, and water resources. These efforts have positively impacted maximising growth and expected gains, thereby propelling rural agricultural development."
Sabrah al Shuaili, a trainee, expressed gratitude and thanked the ministry for enhancing their administrative, technical, and marketing capabilities. The training covered financial and marketing management and the use of modern production and manufacturing methods, aligning their skills with the plans of Oman Vision 2040.
The target groups for rural products include rural women engaged in agricultural and animal activities, rural girls seeking job opportunities, agricultural pioneers, owners of small and medium projects, rural cooperative women's associations, women's small and medium production and manufacturing factories, and rural craft families involved in agriculture.
The targeted projects for rural products encompass the breeding and production of honey bees and derivatives, poultry and egg production in greenhouses or barns, strawberry cultivation and production in greenhouses, rose cultivation and production in greenhouses, and food processing units for agricultural products.
The programme's objectives include qualifying rural women and entrepreneurs to strengthen their role, maximise the gross domestic product, and enhance food security. The programme also aims to provide the market with high-quality products and self-employment opportunities, improving the quality of life for rural families. This is achieved through lending and enabling incentives that make agricultural work more accessible and attractive to women and youth.
Aisha al Balushi, another graduate and a participant said, "Participating in the programme allowed me to enhance my product according to market requirements, particularly packaging. I also learned about food safety and quality. With the support and participation, we could test and offer the product to the market with the highest quality," she said.
In its first edition, the 'Tamkeen' course provided over 100 hours of theoretical and practical training by local and international experts. It aimed to empower 60 trainees and business leaders with skills in establishing and managing projects based on solid entrepreneurial foundations.
The course covered negotiation skills, building clear business relationships, creating brand identity through trademark, packaging, and pricing, financial management in line with international standards, product diversification, health and safety in home projects, creativity, digital marketing, and after-sales service, among other topics relevant to successful agricultural entrepreneurship.
The training course offers valuable opportunities to qualify and enable female associates for self-employment. It serves as a foundational step in the development of qualified leaders who are able to carry the banner of training for the rural community.
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