Muscat – In the heart of one of Oman’s key agricultural wilayats, a quiet transformation is taking root. Farmer Hamoud al Mahrazi made a bold decision to shift away from water-intensive fodder grass to grow something more sustainable and profitable – mangoes – on his ten-acre plot of land in Musannah.

For many years, Mahrazi relied on growing fodder to sustain his farm. But with increasing water scarcity and the impact of climate change, he recognised the need for change. After seeking expert agricultural advice and running a series of trials, he planted 300 mango seedlings of premium varieties including alphonso, fajri and namdeok mai.

Mahrazi’s didn’t just invest in seeds and fertiliser, but techniques too. Adopting drip irrigation and nurturing the soil with care, he focused on long-term sustainability. The turnaround was evident. In just three years, the orchard began to bear fruit and profits tripled. More importantly, his water consumption dropped by more than half.

“The beginning was not easy,” Mahrazi said, adding, “The farm was originally suited for fodder cultivation. But it had limited financial returns and consumed a lot of water, so I turned to growing mangoes. The trial period continued for three years, during which time I was able to grow 35 varieties of mango trees from countries such as Egypt, Thailand and India. It was in this period that I was able to identify varieties suitable for Oman’s natural conditions.”

Mahrazi has expanded his farm, planting approximately 16,000 mango trees on 30 acres using commercial and intensive farming methods. “Total yield has increased to about 15 tonnes of mangoes,” he informed.

He noted that the commonly held belief that mangoes only thrive in tropical climates is inaccurate. “Through experience, I found that some varieties are better suited to the environment and climate of Oman. The fruits are good for export. I started my project after reviewing Egypt’s mango production model. Some years ago, Egypt ranked 90th among mango-producing countries. Today, it is among the leaders.”

He is optimistic about the future. “I want to be one of the biggest mango producers in the sultanate,” he revealed, adding that mango farming reaps good financial returns. While the crop requires a manageable amount of water, there is strong demand in the local market.

Mahrazi’s mango trees stand as a symbol of what is possible with commitment to sustainable farming. His message to fellow farmers is simple: “Smart agriculture begins with one step. Take that step now.”