Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) facilitated the establishment of 32 model farms worth RO1mn in South Batinah in 2023.

The ministry has developed an integrated package that includes modern irrigation systems, cultivation of suitable crop varieties, and effective horticultural practices to support setting up the farms.

Amer bin Humaid al Shibli, Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in the governorate, emphasised the multifaceted objectives of establishing these model farms.

“We aim to bolster food security by leveraging modern agricultural technologies to cultivate various crops. These farms contribute to expanding green areas within the region and supplying local markets with a diverse range of produce, while also increasing farmers’ incomes and reducing reliance on imports.”

The farms also play a crucial role in growing local varieties  – including mangoes and grapes – while adhering to specifications and standards set by MAFWR. 

The ministry’s support to establishing model farms include providing land via usufruct contracts, streamlining procedures for obtaining land rights, offering guidance through field visits, and setting comprehensive schedules for production stages throughout the year. Some farms also receive electricity supply.

According to Shibli, ten new applications have been received for establishment of more model farms in South Batinah through the Tatweer platform.