Oman is studying the feasibility of cultivating onion, a major flavour-enhancing ingredient in several cuisines of the world. In a survey conducted by the Omani Agriculture Association, farmers in Oman have welcomed the idea to grow the tear-inducing bulb.

The association has presented a study to the ministry and identified four wilayats for the cultivation of the crop.

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Saed al Kharusi, chairman of Omani Agriculture Association in North Batinah governorate, said that a study has been presented to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF).

“The association has proposed the areas where cultivation can be done. Dhahirah, Sharqiyah, Dakhliyah and Thumrait in Dhofar are the four areas identified. The study looked at aspects of investing in onion cultivation such as establishing warehouses for storage etc.” Kharusi stated that onions can be grown twice in a year (November and January). He also discussed how cultivation of onions can boost the agricultural sector of Oman in future.

Meanwhile, Kharusi also said that the agriculture association is doing all it can to strengthen the sector. “Currently, the Omani Agriculture Association has six branches one each in North Batinah, Dhahirah, North and South Sharqiyah, Dakhliyah and Dhofar. These branches have been established to support Omani farmers. We are seeking to establish two branches in Muscat and Buraimi this year.”