Muscat – The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has initiated a groundbreaking project in Barka in South Batinah governorate to produce eco-friendly soil conditioner/enhancer.

At a cost of RO180,000, the new unit will produce soil conditioner from palm residue such as leaves and fronds.

“It is not only low-cost but also rich in essential minerals,” officials said.

An agreement to this effect was signed in April for the actual work to begin in September. The soil enhancer project stands out as part of the government’s support for innovative agricultural solutions, reflecting Oman’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices.

Ayman bin Muhammad al Rawahi, CEO of the Agricultural Soil Enhancer Production Project, elaborated on the origins and goals of the initiative.

He stated that the project sprung from Oman’s fertile environment, ripe for developing agricultural projects and enhancing existing farms.

“The project aims to provide solutions to the problem of environmental pollution by exploiting palm waste,” Rawahi explained. “The attempt is to allow an Omani product to have competitiveness against imported products, and thereby create job opportunities for young people.”

The unique approach of the project lies in utilising palm residues and transforming them into an affordable alternative to imported agricultural fertilisers. The palm residues contain vital elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and various microelements that nourish plants, he informed.

Such a blend benefits a wide array of crops, including vegetables, fruits, natural and aromatic plants, and even ornamental plants, all compatible with Oman’s agricultural environment.

The entire project would come up on four hectares of land and would follow a seven-stage production process, Rawahi said. The process includes collection and cutting of palm waste, drying, chopping, again drying and finally, packaging the product.

Speaking about the project’s potential, he pointed out that a single palm tree could yield about 100kg of organic soil enhancer per year.

“The leaves and fronds, rich in protein and organic materials, contribute significantly to plant nutrition and soil enhancement. Moreover, this approach raises the economic value of the palm tree.”

The ambitious project aims to produce approximately 900 tonnes of agricultural soil enhancer annually, utilising around 9,000 palm trees.

The novel project places Oman at the forefront of sustainable agricultural practices, demonstrating a robust and innovative approach to the challenges of modern farming.