The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Oman India Fertiliser Company (OMIFCO) signed a financing agreement for a ‘smart vegetable farms’ project called Indoor Vertical Farming Technology to Produce Leafy Vegetables on Wednesday.
The agreement was signed by H E Dr Ahmed bin Nasser bin Abdullah al Bakri, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed al Fannah al Araimi, director of Sustainability and Institutional Communication, OMIFCO.
The project involves the
use of plant factory technology – a closed farming system that aims to artificially control light, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide concentrations required for plant growth. Plants are grown vertically, instead of horizontally, throughout the year.
The project will take place in two phases, introducing, studying and evaluating the technology in the sultanate. Information on the technology will also be disseminated to farmers.
The project also aims to expand the use of the technology by training technicians and farmers in it, which will help achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural products and contribute to food security in the country.