MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman has emerged as a global leader in date production, ranking eighth worldwide and second in the Gulf region after Saudi Arabia with over 9 million date palm trees spanning over approximately 62,000 acres. The country boasts an impressive date yield of up to 51 kg per palm tree, exceeding the global average of 40 kg. In 2022, Oman's date production reached a staggering 377,066 tonnes.
The National Centre for Statistics and Information reports that the top four governorates in terms of date production quantity are Al Dakhiliyah Governorate (90,200 tonnes), followed by North Al Batinah (57,923 tonnes), South Al Batinah (54,715 tonnes), and North Al Sharqiyah (52,586 tonnes).
Haitham bin Badr al Khanjari, Nakheel specialist at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, said that Omanis consume more than 60 kg of dates annually, thanks to the unique characteristics and benefits of dates and the extended wet season which lasts from the end of April till the first half of November in certain regions due to geographical diversity.
Al Khanjari emphasised the ministry's commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing the agricultural sector by establishing model farms and providing date palm seedlings. As of now, over 25,000 date palm seedlings have been planted across various governorates in Oman, benefiting more than 140 farmers.
In the realm of date palm cultivation, Al Khanjari mentioned the introduction of over 80 local and international date palm varieties in the country with a special focus on preserving traditional Omani varieties.
Regarding agricultural technology, the ministry through the Directorate-General of Agricultural and Animal Research, has implemented innovative approaches. These include a groundbreaking technique of pollination using liquid pollen suspension which serves as a cost-effective and efficient alternative to manual pollination. Drones are also now employed in date palm germination operations and pest control.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
