Oman starts smart vegetable farms to support year round food production

OMAN – Oman has started a new indoor farming project that aims to boost food security and improve how the country grows vegetables throughout the year.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched Smart Vegetable Farms, a national project focused on leafy vegetable production using indoor vertical farming. The ministry is working with the Oman India Fertiliser Company to roll out the initiative across selected sites.

The project uses vertical farming systems that allow crops to grow in stacked layers inside enclosed spaces. These farms manage temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and lighting to support steady crop growth regardless of outdoor weather.

Waleed Salim al Abri, Head of the ministry’s Horticulture Research Department, said the project supports the ministry’s goal to improve crop quality while using fewer resources. “Vertical farming allows us to produce clean, pesticide free vegetables while using much less water than open field farming,” he said. “The system gives farmers stable production across all seasons.”

According to the ministry, the farms can cut water use sharply compared to traditional methods. The controlled setting also reduces crop loss and supports uniform quality, which matters for local markets and retailers.

Support for youth and small producers

Officials say the project will also support farmers, young people, and small business owners who want to enter modern agriculture. The ministry plans to use the farms as training and learning sites where participants can gain practical skills in indoor crop production.

The ministry said the project aligns with Oman’s wider food strategy, which aims to expand local production, reduce reliance on imports, and support income growth in the agriculture sector. “We want to create systems that farmers can manage efficiently and scale over time,” al Abri added.

Smart Vegetable Farms also fit within Oman’s economic plans, which focus on building local supply chains and improving food availability during supply disruptions.

The launch follows recent talks between Oman and Lebanon on stronger cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and food security. During a visit to Muscat, Lebanon’s Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Nizar Hani, met Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi.

Both ministers discussed joint work in agricultural development, fisheries management, and water use. They also reviewed plans for shared research, expert exchanges, and mutual visits to support sector growth.

Officials said these talks reflect Oman’s interest in regional partnerships that support stable food systems and knowledge sharing, alongside domestic projects such as Smart Vegetable Farms.

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