Sunday 10 / August / 2025
Muscat: The agricultural sector in the Sultanate of Oman is undergoing a notable transformation toward the use of innovation and technology to enhance food security and environmental sustainability, in line with "Oman Vision 2040."
Innovations in agricultural technology, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology are among the most prominent tools that can contribute to improving agricultural productivity, reducing waste, and promoting environmental sustainability. The development of smart resource management systems and the application of modern farming models, such as vertical farming and precision agriculture, open new horizons for ensuring sustainable and safe food availability.
Investing in innovative solutions is not a luxury but a strategic necessity to secure a food-safe future for coming generations. Innovation transforms challenges into opportunities, bringing about a qualitative shift in how food is produced, distributed, and consumed.
Amid growing global challenges—from climate change and dwindling natural resources to rapid population growth—food security has become a central issue affecting the lives of millions. Traditional methods of food production and distribution are no longer sufficient to keep pace with these challenges, necessitating the adoption of innovative solutions capable of radically transforming the global food system.
In this context, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources plays a role in supporting agricultural innovations to enhance food security in Oman. This is achieved through several programmes, including agricultural extension on modern farming techniques and sustainability, smart and organic farming.
The ministry is implementing an integrated agriculture project that provides technical and financial support to small projects with innovative ideas. Additionally, funding and financial support initiatives are offered through the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund, along with awareness programs on agricultural marketing via digital platforms and agricultural exhibitions.
The ministry stated that it is working on agricultural development and research projects in collaboration with universities and research centers, while also encouraging the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in farms.
Represented by agricultural research centers, the ministry clarified that several plans and programs are being implemented to promote innovation in various fields, such as crop improvement, modern irrigation techniques, smart farming, and seedling enhancement through tissue culture. It also collaborates with international organizations, such as the Arab Organisation for Agricultural Development (AOAD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), to adopt modern irrigation methods for water conservation, smart irrigation based on plant needs, and the reuse of treated water in agriculture.
The ministry emphasized the importance of smart farming and digitalisation in disease prediction and production improvement using artificial intelligence. It highlighted the role of biotechnology and nanotechnology research in enhancing crop resistance to diseases and climate conditions.
The ministry pointed to legislation supporting agricultural innovation and startups based on advanced agricultural technology, including the Intellectual Property Protection Law (Patents), which encourages researchers, farmers, and innovators to register their innovations in agricultural technologies, biofertilizers, and modern irrigation systems.
Agricultural startups are exempted from income tax for five to ten years, and customs duties are waived on the import of modern agricultural technologies, such as smart sensors and soilless farming (hydroponics). Additionally, legislation promotes investment in the agricultural sector and facilitates licensing procedures for projects relying on renewable energy and agricultural technologies.
The ministry encourages farmers to adopt organic farming through certification and promotes the use of biological control techniques to reduce chemical usage. It also implements innovation support programs in partnership with the private sector, encouraging companies to establish experimental smart farms and funding water desalination projects using solar energy to promote sustainable irrigation.
Regarding private sector collaboration, the ministry emphasised encouraging partnerships between research institutions and agricultural companies to develop innovative solutions that meet market needs and contribute to food security. Several investment opportunities are offered through the "Tatweer" platform, which requires projects to utilize modern technologies. The ministry has also launched the "Suggest Your Project" window on the platform to attract investors interested in establishing distinguished and innovative projects that meet specified criteria, including organic farming, research projects, and value-added agro-processing initiatives.
In a follow-up by Oman News Agency (ONA) with several student innovators, a research study conducted by a team from Sultan Qaboos University highlighted the high efficacy of the Harmal plant (Peganum harmala) in combating agricultural fungi that cause crop diseases, underscoring its potential to support food security efforts and promote sustainable agriculture in Oman.
The study, supervised by researchers Buthaina Harith Al Busaidi and Dhia Ibrahim Al Rashdi, revealed that plant extracts from Harmal effectively inhibit the growth of dangerous fungi, including Rhizoctonia solani, a major cause of root rot in crops, particularly vegetables and legumes.
The research team confirmed that active compounds in Harmal, such as harmine and harmaline, possess antifungal and antibacterial properties, reducing the need for chemical pesticides and making Harmal an environmentally safe and effective option for plant disease control.
The team noted that the research is a promising step toward utilising local plants to support national food security and provide natural, sustainable solutions for Omani farmers without negatively impacting the environment or food safety. It represents an advanced step in leveraging local medicinal plants to develop sustainable environmental solutions that support the green economy and enhance agricultural productivity without harming soil or human health.
As part of the practical application of the research, the two researchers produced an effective solution derived from Harmal, which demonstrated high efficiency in practical experiments in suppressing pathogenic fungi. This opens new avenues for research and industrial collaboration in biological control and encourages the utilization of high-value local innovations to achieve long-term food and environmental security.
Specialized research entities, in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, are exploring the possibility of developing natural agricultural products derived from Harmal to support national strategies in agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, innovator Hawra Rashid Al Omrani from the University of A’Sharqiyah stated that AZDARA is an innovative company specializing in organic pesticides and fertilizers. It offers a product combining organic pesticide and fertilizer in a biodegradable smart soil pack made entirely of natural materials. After the organic pesticide is depleted, the pack is planted beneath the plant, gradually decomposing to nourish the soil—providing a circular and effective environmental solution for sustainable farming.
She added that the company is producing a product derived from organic animal shampoo, which serves as a safe and effective pesticide for harmful insects while improving animal skin health without environmental harm.
AZDARA’s products contribute to food security by reducing reliance on harmful chemicals that pollute soil and water. They also improve crop quality through natural soil nourishment and support the sustainability of local agricultural production with easy-to-use organic solutions, in addition to promoting the health of animals, which are part of the food chain.
She noted that the company’s vision aligns with Oman Vision 2040 in the priority areas of food and water security—by providing sustainable agricultural solutions that enhance food quality and conserve resources—and environmental sustainability—through products that promote green farming practices and reduce pollution. It also aligns with economic development by stimulating local innovation and providing exportable organic products, as well as health and quality of life by offering natural solutions that reduce exposure to chemicals in food or the environment.
Innovator Omar Fathil Al Dar’ee from the University of Technology and Applied Sciences in Ibri introduced the Smart Agriculture Cultivator (SAG 1), equipped with sensors that analyze soil while in motion, measuring moisture, pH levels, temperature, and nutrients.
He explained that the device issues alerts on a small screen or via an app if problems such as salinity or nutrient deficiencies are detected. It features mechanical tillage blades connected to a smart conveyor belt system that removes stones, weeds, or plastic from the soil, depositing them in a rear container. The system operates automatically when impurities are detected and includes an app that displays real-time soil analysis results and audio/visual alerts for soil issues.
