Muscat: The agricultural sector in Oman is currently witnessing significant changes with the integration of technology and innovation to improve food security and promote environmental sustainability as part of "Oman Vision 2040." The incorporation of agricultural technology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology is playing a crucial role in enhancing productivity, reducing waste, and fostering sustainable practices. This shift includes smart resource management systems and the adoption of modern farming methods like vertical farming and precision agriculture, which are paving the way for a sustainable and secure food future.
According to Oman News Agency, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is actively supporting agricultural innovations to bolster food security in Oman. This is achieved through various programs focusing on modern farming techniques and sustainability, including smart and organic farming. An integrated agriculture project is underway, providing technical and financial support to small-scale projects with innovative ideas, alongside funding initiatives by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund. The ministry is also working on agricultural development and research projects, in collaboration with universities and research centers, to promote the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in farming.
The ministry has clarified that it is implementing a range of plans and programs to foster innovation in different fields, such as crop improvement, modern irrigation techniques, and seedling enhancement through tissue culture. Collaborations with international organizations, including the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), aim to adopt modern irrigation techniques, conserve water, and reuse treated water in agriculture. The ministry highlights the significance of smart farming and digitalization in disease prediction and production improvements using artificial intelligence, while also emphasizing biotechnology and nanotechnology research to enhance crop resistance to diseases and climatic conditions.
Legislation is in place to support agricultural innovation and startups that utilize advanced agricultural technology, including the Intellectual Property Protection Law (Patents). This encourages researchers and farmers to register their innovations, with startups benefiting from income tax exemptions and waivers on modern agricultural technology imports. The ministry is promoting organic farming certification and biological control techniques to minimize chemical usage, and is fostering innovation support programs in partnership with the private sector to establish smart farms and fund water desalination projects using solar energy.
Private sector collaboration is encouraged by the ministry, with partnerships between research institutions and agricultural companies being promoted to develop innovative solutions that meet market needs and enhance food security. Investment opportunities are available through the "Tatweer" platform, requiring projects to employ modern technologies, and the "Suggest Your Project" window has been launched to attract investors interested in innovative projects.
In a research study conducted by a team from Sultan Qaboos University, the effectiveness of the Harmal plant (Peganum harmala) in combating agricultural fungi was highlighted, showing potential to support food security efforts in Oman. The study, supervised by researchers Buthaina Harith Al Busaidi and Dhia Ibrahim Al Rashdi, found that Harmal plant extracts effectively inhibit the growth of harmful fungi and reduce the need for chemical pesticides, offering an environmentally safe option for plant disease control.
Innovator Hawra Rashid Al Omrani from the University of A'Sharqiyah introduced AZDARA, a company specializing in organic pesticides and fertilizers. Their product, a biodegradable smart soil pack, combines organic pesticide and fertilizer benefits and contributes to food security by reducing chemical usage. AZDARA's products align with Oman Vision 2040 by providing sustainable agricultural solutions and promoting green farming practices.
Omar Fathil Al Dar'ee from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri developed the Smart Agriculture Cultivator (SAG 1), a device equipped with sensors to analyze soil conditions. This innovation issues alerts for soil problems and features automatic systems to manage soil impurities, supporting sustainable farming practices.