A computer application for Omani women farmers has won the silver medal at an Arab competition. 

Three students from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) designed the application called ‘Shatla’ to help women farmers engage in their work in easy and innovative ways.

The app designed by Inas Shadoul, Maryam al Nuaimi and Meera al Azzani won the silver medal in the competition titled ‘Innovations to Empower Rural Women in the Arab Region through a Mobile Application – 2020’. 

It was conducted by the Arab Women Organisation in cooperation with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Speaking to Muscat Daily, Inas said, “We participated in the competition in July and got the silver medal on September 30.”

She said the app provides services to facilitate work on  farms including remote irrigation and pest control. Additionally, it providesinformation on crops via an audio feature to support rural women who are unable to read, and information on weather besides helping communicate with  experts for advice on cultivation and pests.

“Getting information from farmers was not easy, but some friends helped us communicate with them,” Inas informed. 

According to her, she and her team are keen to establish a company after graduating. 

“We hope to obtain financial support to develop the app further and provide services via drones.”