By Abdullahi Lukman
The Sultanate of Oman is increasingly adopting advanced technology and innovation to diversify and strengthen its agricultural sector, aiming to enhance food security sustainably.
This approach centers on precision agriculture techniques that utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and other digital tools to improve crop yields while conserving water and other inputs.
Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, highlighted these efforts in a recent interview featured in Oxford Business Group’s 2025 spotlight on Oman.
He outlined the country’s five- to ten-year agricultural strategy focused on diversifying crop production, increasing livestock, and expanding aquaculture to reduce reliance on imports and improve self-sufficiency.
To enhance competitiveness, Oman is implementing modern farming methods such as precision agriculture, sustainable practices, and food safety systems.
These efforts aim to increase productivity, reduce costs, minimize food waste, and meet international quality standards to access export markets.
Precision agriculture employs technologies like GPS-guided machinery, soil and crop sensors, drones, satellite imagery, and AI-powered farm management software.
These tools enable real-time monitoring of soil health, water use, and crop conditions, allowing for precise input application and better resource management.
Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the strategy targets raising food self-sufficiency from 48% to 70%, expanding cultivated land from 544 km² to 1,044 km², and promoting high-value crops.
It also emphasizes sustainable water use, aiming for a 40% increase in water availability, supported by smart irrigation systems.
The Ministry, alongside public agricultural enterprises, has introduced climate-resilient crops and innovative farming methods such as hydroponics and greenhouse cultivation.
Data analytics and AI tools assist farmers in making informed decisions based on market trends, crop health, and weather forecasts. Agricultural biotechnology, including tissue culture, is also enhancing crop yield and disease resistance.
A notable initiative is the Million Date Trees Plantation Project, which integrates satellite imagery, GIS, and AI to optimize date palm cultivation.
Sensor and drone data analyzed through AI enables early detection of pests and targeted interventions, resulting in higher production and better quality dates.
Oman’s technology-driven agricultural transformation aims to create a resilient, efficient, and sustainable food system that supports economic growth and environmental stewardship.
