MAFWR to introduce solar energy for farming

In a significant move towards sustainable living, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) has taken up a project to install 55 independent 10kw solar energy systems to meet the power requirements of agricultural farms in North Batinah.

The initiative, part of the fourth edition of the Mustadeem programme, was launched in collaboration with bp Oman and Nafath Renewable Energy under the patronage of H E Dr Hammoud bin Saud bin Ahmed al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

The initiative highlights the government’s commitment to food security and sustainable farming practices, a ministry official said.

‘The Mustadeem programme aims to equip farms in Khaboura and Suwaiq, areas adversely affected by Cyclone Shaheen, with solar-powered systems’, MAFWR stated, adding that ‘these systems, which will be primarily used to operate water pumps in greenhouses and farms, are a step towards energy self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of power grid disruptions’.

An integral part of this programme is also to impart training to farmers and jobseekers specifically for the sector.

These training sessions have been designed to educate them on the usage of solar energy, which directly results in reduced electricity costs and a continuous power supply.

The project is a stride towards Oman's sustainability goals. It is projected to offset 640 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with the country’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The initiative reflects a broader effort to integrate sustainability into national development plans.