By Hassan Ali | Muscat
Ad Dakhiliyah Governorate is strengthening its position as a central pillar of Oman’s national food security strategy, with total investments in agricultural and livestock projects reaching OMR 113 million. Managed by the Directorate General of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources, these initiatives reflect a strategic effort to modernize regional farming and enhance sustainable food production.
Strategic Regional Development
The governorate has approved 61 distinct investment projects spanning 185.7 acres of agricultural land. These projects have already generated 158 direct investment and business opportunities, encouraging local Omani entrepreneurs to participate in the agricultural value chain. By partnering with the private sector, the Ministry aims to build a self-sustaining regional economy that contributes directly to the national GDP.
Crop Diversification and High-Value Agriculture
Ad Dakhiliyah’s diverse climate—ranging from arid plains to the temperate highlands of Jabal Akhdar—allows for a unique variety of high-value crops. Current development efforts are focused on expanding the cultivation of:
- Olives: Expanding olive groves alongside regional processing facilities for Omani olive oil extraction.
- Saffron: Localizing saffron farming to introduce Omani-grown saffron to local and regional markets.
- Pomegranates and Roses: Supporting traditional highland crops in Jabal Akhdar, which feed the local rosewater distillation and fruit markets.
- Figs and Fruit Orchards: Distributing high-quality fruit tree saplings to local farmers in partnership with OQ Group’s national green initiative.
Upgrading Livestock Infrastructure in Adam
In the livestock sector, a major milestone has been reached with the development of the governorate’s first integrated private veterinary slaughterhouse in the wilayat of Adam. This modern facility serves as a vital hub for animal health assessment, disease prevention, and safe meat processing, offering critical support to local pastoralists and enhancing biological safety standards across the region.
Adding Value Through Local Processing
To prevent post-harvest losses and maximize the economic yield of local crops, OMR 8 million has been dedicated to agricultural processing and manufacturing. This includes establishing facilities for olive pressing, saffron packaging, rose oil extraction, and advanced cold storage systems. These processing hubs ensure that agricultural products are not just harvested, but refined and packaged within the governorate, boosting regional competitiveness.
“By combining traditional crop selection with modern processing and logistics, we are building a resilient agricultural sector that safeguards both our food supply and our rural communities.” — Directorate General of Agricultural Wealth, Ad Dakhiliyah
Source: Oman Daily Newspaper
Hassan Al Maqbali
Content Creator & Website Manager at Omanspire
Hassan Al Maqbali is a dedicated content creator and the website manager at Omanspire, where he writes passionately about Oman's culture, history, and the timeless stories that shape the nation’s identity. His work reflects a deep love for the Sultanate and a commitment to sharing its beauty with the world.
Driven by a desire to widen global understanding of Oman, Hassan creates narratives that present the country through diverse perspectives—capturing its people, heritage, landscapes, and evolving cultural heartbeat. Through Omanspire, he hopes to bring readers closer to the spirit of Oman, one story at a time.
