Sultanate produces over 960 tonnes of wheat in 2018-19

Wheat is one of the most prominent grains cultivated in the sultanate. According to statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF), wheat production in the sultanate reached 961.67 tonnes in 2018-19.

Statistics indicate that the cultivated areas of wheat amounted to 1,167 acres, with 1,627 farmers engaged in the production.

An official at MoAF said, “The wilayat of Ibri recorded the highest production with 293.8 tonnes, followed by 142.3 tonnes in the wilayat of Bahla, 99.2 in the wilayat of Dhank, 93.2 in the wilayat of Yanqul and 55.1 tonnes in the wilayat of Nizwa. The wheat growing season started in mid February 2018 with harvesting done in March and April 2019.”

Talking about the ministry's efforts, he said, “The ministry has introduced modern irrigation systems. With the sprinkler system being used, a significant progress has been made in the expansion of crop cultivation and increase in its productivity.”

He added, ”The sultanate is working continuously through studies and research to improve arable land which constitutes only seven per cent of the total area. The ministry has built protective walls in nearby villages adjacent to the valleys. The number of protection walls implemented during the current plan stands at 164 with a length of 76,000m. The ministry has also issued a regulation to prohibit the use of agricultural lands for other purposes.”

Oman witnessed a 7.9 per cent increase in cultivated land area in 2018 at 25,000 acres.