IBRA: The Al Sharqiyah North Governorate has experienced significant growth in its agricultural sector over the past three years, with total agricultural production reaching 250,000 tonnes.
The area dedicated to fruit crops grew by 2.3 per cent, covering 698 acres and producing 4,238 tonnes. Typical fruit fields spanned 236 acres, while grape fields covered 17.5 acres, and fig fields encompassed 66 acres. The vegetable area saw a 25.2 per cent increase, totalling 612 acres and yielding 28,870 tonnes.
Dr Abdulaziz bin Ali al Mishekhi, Director-General, General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Sharqiyah North Governorate, reported that the area of palm crops grew by 1.3 per cent, reaching 7,841 acres with a production of 54,188 tonnes.
Al Sharqiyah North Governorate ranked fourth in date production among the governorates, producing 54,200 tonnes (14 per cent) with 940,490 palm trees. The governorate also ranked second in the production of Basour (Mabsali) dates, with 8,694 tonnes from 129,540 palm trees.
The governorate is rapidly advancing in food security and agriculture’s contribution to the national economy through investment opportunities and modern technologies.
Dr Al Mishekhi emphasised a 3 per cent growth in the plant sector last year, aiming for a 5 per cent growth rate. In the current year, 27 investment opportunities were offered, with 21 in agriculture, covering more than 315 acres. This includes 10 opportunities for grape cultivation in Ibra's ‘Al Haymah’ area and six opportunities for palm tree cultivation in the Wilayat of Bidiyah.
Four investment opportunities were offered in the Badran scheme in Al Mudhaibi, including two for legumes and two for onion cultivation using modern technologies, each covering 100 acres.
Another opportunity for vegetable cultivation in greenhouses and open fields was offered in Ibra, covering 10 acres.
Al Mishekhi highlighted the growth in fruit crop areas and production, with typical fields covering 236 acres, grape fields reaching 17.5 acres, and fig fields covering 66 acres. The vegetable areas reached 612 acres, producing 28,870 tonnes. Palm crop areas grew to 7,841 acres, with a production of 54,188 tonnes. Al Sharqiyah North Governorate ranked fourth in date production and second in Basour production.
Modern technologies and greenhouses have boosted crop production, with 2,008 greenhouses and 21 agricultural nurseries in the governorate. Commercial fields for palm crops and fruit trees were established, and a model grape farms project was implemented in Ibra.
Various services are provided to farmers, including proposing specialised sites, following up on investment projects, implementing awareness programmes, and offering guidance on best agricultural practices. Last year, the governorate saw increased fodder production (156,305 tonnes) and honey production (250 tonnes).
Farmer Hilal bin Nasser al Salmi from Ibra grows figs, grapes, mangoes, palm trees, guava, bananas, onions, and garlic. He prunes grapes in February, with harvest starting in June, depending on the type and climate. His produce is marketed through social media and local markets.
Farmer Mohammed bin Ali al Mughairy from Al Sharqiyah North Governorate reported abundant grape and fig production this year, crediting regular irrigation, pruning, fertilisation, and pest control for the successful yields. — ONA
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