New initiative to support rural women, increase productivity

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) unveiled an initiative aimed at supporting rural women and female entrepreneurs on Wednesday.

An official informed that MAFWR has started accepting applications for the project designed to support women engaged in agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry. Under the project, equipment for industries focused on producing dates, honey, spices, coffee, as well as canned and dried agricultural, animal and fishery products will be provided at 50% subsidy.

The project’s objectives include increasing local production, adding value locally, ensuring availability during offseasons, and providing support to female entrepreneurs to effectively market their products.

About MAFWR’S efforts to empower rural communities, the official highlighted the launch of a programme called Rifi in collaboration with Oman Development Bank in 2021, which aims to nurture entrepreneurship among rural women - enhancing capacity, increasing production, promoting food security, and creating avenues for self-employment.

Several projects have been initiated under Rifi, including the establishment of 13 eco-friendly greenhouses, a beekeeping project that provided training to a hundred women, and initiation of production and marketing endeavours under the brand name ‘From My Home’.

Equipment for industries focused on producing dates, honey, spices, coffee, as well as canned and dried agricultural, animal and fishery products will be provided at 50% subsidy

These initiatives collectively reflect the ministry's commitment to fostering sustainable rural development and empowering women in the agricultural and related sectors.

To apply for the programme, visit https://www.mafwr.gov. om/online-forms/#/views/ sup port-production-line-equipment