Rustaq – In a move aimed at empowering rural women and strengthening small-scale dairy production, the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Batinah has announced the launch of a new initiative to distribute modern milk production equipment to women in the governorate under a support scheme.

The initiative forms part of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources’ (MAFWR) efforts to enhance food security, improve productivity in the livestock sector and encourage women to develop sustainable home-based agricultural activities that contribute to family income and local economic growth.

According to the announcement, the programme targets rural women engaged in raising cows or goats and producing milk and dairy products. The ministry said the support will include the distribution of modern milk processing and production equipment aimed at improving efficiency, hygiene standards and product quality.

Officials said the initiative is designed to help women modernise traditional dairy practices while reducing production effort and enhancing output. It also seeks to encourage greater participation of women in agricultural and livestock-related activities across rural communities in South Batinah.

To qualify for the programme, applicants must own an existing livestock enclosure containing cows or goats, possess a valid livestock holding card and personally supervise the activity themselves.

The ministry has called on eligible rural women in South Batinah to submit their applications from the date of the announcement until the required number of beneficiaries is reached.

Agriculture and livestock activities remain an important source of livelihood for many families in Oman’s rural areas, with women playing a key role in animal care and dairy production. ‘Initiatives such as this are expected to support rural entrepreneurship while preserving traditional agricultural practices through the use of modern technology,’ the directorate stated.

The ministry has in recent years expanded programmes aimed at supporting farmers, livestock breeders and rural women through training, financial support and equipment distribution as part of national efforts to boost agricultural sustainability and food production.