The Sultanate of Oman has recently embraced smart agriculture as part of its strategy for ensuring food security and conserving natural resources, in line with the goals of "Oman Vision 2040," which seeks to modernize and enhance the agricultural sector.
Oman has seen an increase in the use of modern agricultural technologies, such as protected farming, smart irrigation, and drones. However, these technologies are still in a slow growth phase, mainly focused on research and investment projects backed by the private sector.
Eng. Badriya Saif Al-Hosni, Head of the Smart Agriculture Department at the Directorate General of Agricultural and Livestock Research within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, remarked, "A vital aspect of the ministry's strategy to advance technology in agriculture is the digital transformation of services, incorporating modern techniques to boost crop yields, lower input costs, and equip farmers with smart farming tools."
She further noted that ongoing efforts aim to balance the preservation of Oman’s agricultural heritage with the embrace of modern farming technologies by merging innovations with traditional systems. She cited examples such as preserving local plant varieties through gene banks and enhancing water distribution in aflaj (traditional irrigation canals) while keeping their heritage intact.
In recent years, Oman has adopted several cutting-edge agricultural technologies, including soilless farming (hydroponics), integrated aquaculture-agriculture (aquaponics), and precision farming systems that utilize geographic and climatic data for irrigation planning and amounts. Drones are also being used for pest management, palm pollination, and crop monitoring, along with smart irrigation systems that incorporate soil moisture sensors. Furthermore, there's a push for solar energy to power farming and greenhouse operations.
Al Hosni highlighted that the Directorate General of Agricultural and Livestock Research provides targeted training programs for farmers on smart agriculture methods, such as mobile apps for farm management, drone operation, and soilless cultivation. Pilot field projects are also underway to transfer technology and train farmers.
The government sets annual budgets to promote digital transformation in agriculture, collaborating with the private sector to enhance modern technology usage and improve the investment climate in this crucial sector.
She pointed out that Oman has made strides in adopting smart agriculture, with these technologies being integral to the ministry's food security and agricultural sustainability strategy. The ministry is incorporating digital solutions and contemporary methods through research initiatives and practical applications, as well as awareness and training programs for farmers.
Key technologies being used include sensor-driven smart irrigation, drones for monitoring crops and pest management, and soilless farming techniques like hydroponics. These advancements lead to better resource efficiency, higher productivity, and superior crop quality.
The ministry aims to maintain Oman’s agricultural heritage while integrating modern technologies into traditional practices, like enhancing aflaj with digital water control systems, she mentioned.
Obstacles to advancing smart agriculture include uneven digital infrastructure among governorates, the necessity for improved technical knowledge among certain farmers, and the need to lower operating and maintenance costs of these technologies, she noted.
The government aids small-scale and low-income farmers through agricultural financing programs, with the Development Bank providing soft loans for equipment purchases. Agricultural cooperatives also facilitate group access to these technologies.
Oman is progressively working towards making smart agriculture a key part of sustainable agricultural growth, carefully balancing tradition with modernity to align with societal goals while maintaining cultural and environmental identity.
