Oman farmers turn to strawberries with new growing methods

OMAN – Strawberries, once a rare sight in Oman, are now gaining ground as farmers adopt new growing methods and consumers embrace the fruit’s local appeal.

Local growers say improved technology, along with stronger consumer demand for fresh and organic food, has made the berry both attractive and viable.

Farmers across the country are experimenting with ways to produce strawberries in controlled settings.

In Barka, one grower uses vertical farming methods on his farm in Halban. The technique has produced high yields, surprising many in the community.

“I never thought we could get this many strawberries here,” he said. “The system makes it possible to farm even when the land outside looks too dry.”

In Muscat, the Yiti Farm Project has become a local attraction. Its team uses high-tech greenhouses alongside traditional irrigation systems. During seasonal festivals, visitors are invited to pick strawberries themselves.

This hands-on experience has turned the project into a family outing spot and a driver of agritourism in the area.

Fahad, another farmer exploring greenhouse production, described the motivation behind the shift. “We’re turning fallow land into productive farmland,” he explained. “It’s about resilience, innovation, and connecting with consumers who value fresh, local produce.”

Consumers embrace local berries

The rise of strawberries highlights a broader change in food preferences across Oman. More shoppers are choosing locally grown produce over imported goods, citing freshness and quality.

Families enjoy the chance to buy strawberries that were picked the same day, often at farms they can visit.

Shop owners in Muscat report that demand for strawberries has grown steadily in recent months. “People are asking for them every week now,” said a retailer in Muttrah. “Before, we only stocked them occasionally. Now they are regular.”

Broader agricultural progress

The strawberry movement fits within a larger effort to diversify crops and reduce dependence on imports. Agriculture specialists in Oman believe strawberries could lead the way for other non-traditional crops to enter the market.

Greenhouse farming and hydroponics are also gaining ground, giving farmers more control over production despite harsh weather.

This trend aligns with the government’s push to strengthen food security and expand opportunities for rural communities.

By adding strawberries to the list of crops grown locally, Oman is not only responding to consumer demand but also showing how farmers can adapt to new conditions with success.

“The berry may be small, but it carries a big message,” said Fahad. “We can grow more than we ever thought possible here, and people are ready for it.”

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