MUSCAT: A masterplan for the Al Najd Agricultural City project – a landmark initiative designed to underpin Oman’s growing food economy – envisions investments in agri-processing industries, farm education and even agri-tourism, according to the project’s lead consultant.
Prominent international design and engineering consultancy firm Dar said the new Agricultural City, currently taking shape in Dhofar Governorate, will also serve as a hub for agricultural excellence and innovation.
“The Al Najd Agricultural City is a unique initiative that seeks to bridge the gap between expansion of urban and agricultural land, testing how these traditionally competing land uses can be integrated by employing smart and more sustainable agriculture practices that allow for co-location of attractive and unique living and working opportunities,” Dar, previously known as Dar Al Handasah, said in a post.
Dar is leading a team of international specialists in the delivery of a detailed masterplan for the Al Najd Agricultural City project. Assisting the lead consultant are experts from Foster & Partners, Sidara’s Portland Design and an experienced team of Omani agriculture and water experts.
Sharing an update on the masterplan design at a forum held in Salalah recently, Dar representatives explained that the project programme, size and location would be shaped by a number of factors, notably economic development trends, agriculture trade opportunities, sustainable water consumption, renewable energy potential, geological conditions and social and community development needs.
Present at the event were top officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
Significantly, beyond a mere focus on conventional farming activities, the ground-breaking project would also explore the potential for tech-driven agricultural initiatives, said Dar.
“Dar’s proposed masterplan will build on Dhofar’s long heritage in traditional farming, offering a pathway to build the capacity of Oman’s agriculture sector through use of cutting-edge technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics and aquaponics, supported by AI-driven solutions. The masterplan will take care to prioritise recommendations for sustainable water management and integration of land dedicated to diverse agriculture-based economies such as post-harvest processing, agricultural education and agri-tourism.”
The overarching goal, however, is to unlock the new City’s potential to support Oman’s long-term food security and economic diversification goals, the consulting firm stressed.
“Ultimately the Al Najd Agricultural City will serve as a hub for advancement of agriculture research and innovation, economic diversification of the agriculture sector and increased production of crops that will improve Oman’s food security and reduce reliance on agriculture imports. The Agricultural City supports Oman’s Vision 2040 by improving the balance between urban and rural growth in Oman through development of sustainable and fully serviced communities which create new and more advanced jobs, and improve living standards,” Dar added.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
