MUSCAT, DEC 15
Nestled in the high-altitude and rugged terrain of the Wilayat of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, a groundbreaking saffron cultivation project is turning challenges into opportunities. Leveraging the Wilayat’s Mediterranean-like climate — characterised by cool winters and mild summers — the initiative is poised to produce one of the world’s most valuable spices, often referred to as “red gold.”
The brainchild of entrepreneur Ahmed bin Ali al Hanashi, the “Omani Saffron” project stems from a vision to cultivate premium crops and commercialise saffron production in Oman. Yet, the journey has been far from straightforward. “The idea was born out of a desire to grow high-value crops,” says Al Hanashi. “But the first obstacle was the rugged, rocky terrain of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar, which was far from suitable for agriculture.”
The farm, spanning six acres under a usufruct agreement with the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources (MoAFWR), required significant investment to transform into arable land. Of the total 25,000 square metres, 5 acres have been reclaimed, with 16,000 square metres currently under cultivation.
The first phase of development involved breaking and levelling the rocky land, where some areas were up to 3 metres deep, while others rose 2.5 metres above the baseline. In the second phase, RO 220,000 were invested to transport and spread soil over the farm to a depth of 50 cm. This was followed by the application of 100 tonnes of fertilisers to prepare the land for planting.
A total of 9 tonnes of saffron bulbs — approximately 500,000 bulbs — were sourced from a specialised company in the Netherlands. A comprehensive feasibility study, conducted by an accredited consultancy, laid the groundwork for this ambitious project, which required an overall investment of RO 410,000.
Recognising the meticulous nature of saffron harvesting, Al Hanashi collaborated with the Omani Women’s Association in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. The association is now actively engaged in sorting and processing the saffron flowers, ensuring high-quality yields. “The support from the association has been invaluable, and our collaboration continues to grow,” Al Hanashi noted.
The project is expected to yield 5-6 kilogrammes of saffron this year, with production projected to climb to 12-13 kilogrammes annually in the coming years. The saffron will primarily be marketed locally through food retailers and distribution companies, while surplus production will be exported to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
While optimistic, Al Hanashi remains pragmatic about the experimental nature of saffron cultivation in Al Jabal Al Akhdhar. “We are closely monitoring production over the next few years to fully understand the crop’s adaptability to the Wilayat’s unique climate,” he explained.
Al Hanashi’s ambitions extend far beyond cultivation. “I aspire to fully utilise the land for saffron and introduce advanced technologies to enhance efficiency — using less space to achieve higher yields. This includes greenhouse farming and prioritising quality to increase flowering rates.”
The vision also includes a focus on agricultural tourism. “I want to transform the farm into a dual-purpose destination: a productive saffron farm and an agri-tourism hotspot where visitors can experience the unique crops of Al Jabal Al Akhdhar firsthand.”
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
