The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) launched a programme for rural women engaged in camel milk production on Monday.

The ministry, in cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), launched the programme at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah under the patronage of H E Dr Ahmed Nasser al Bakri, Undersecretary in MAFWR.

An official in the ministry said, “The programme aims to empower women working in camel milk production in the Governorate of Dhofar. This project will be funded by Al Jisr Foundation.”

According to the ministry official, “the programme will help rural women play their role effectively and efficiently in the development of society and preservation and development of cultural heritage, besides encouraging them to work, diversify their income and increase their family income”.

Muslim bin Salim Rafeet, acting director general of the Directorate of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Dhofar informed that a unit for the production and processing of camel milk and milk products (cheese) will be established in the wilayat of Rakhyout. Earlier this June, MAFWR signed an agreement with Al Jisr Foundation to engage 20 women in Dhofar for cheese production.

The project will provide equipment and training to women for the purpose, and also develop managerial and technical skills to enhance productivity in a sustainable way.

Oman Investment Authority (OIA) recently announced that the first commercial camel milk production company in Oman, Al Morooj Dairy will start operations soon. The project is the first-of-its kind in the Gulf region, too. It will involve collection of milk from breeders in Dhofar, processing it and marketing it across the sultanate.

According to OIA, the project will include three collection centres where fresh milk will be received in the morning and evening. “Each centre will be equipped with the latest technologies, and also have an integrated outlet for marketing products,” an OIA official said.

The centres are expected to receive 18,000ltr of milk – both cow and camel milk – per day, and the project will produce 6mn ltr annually.