MUSCAT: The Directorate recently reported the successful production and distribution of 8,347 pastoral seedlings to 385 beneficiaries, including livestock breeders, rural women, farmers, and various public and private organizations. By providing these seedlings free of charge, the initiative directly supports communities reliant on agriculture and apiculture, promoting sustainable livelihoods and enhancing local resource management. The program emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, ensuring that both small-scale and larger stakeholders benefit from the government-backed scheme.
The distributed varieties encompass a wide range of species with high environmental and economic significance, including Sidr, Samr, Ghaf, Shoa, Sarh, Moringa, Bambar, Parkinsonia, Henna, Talh, Chasteberry, Carob, and Frankincense. These plants contribute to soil protection, increased green cover, and biodiversity conservation while simultaneously supporting honey production, particularly premium Sidr and Samr honey, which holds cultural and economic value across Oman. The selection of these species reflects a strategic balance between ecological sustainability and market potential.
Officials highlighted that the initiative goes beyond environmental benefits, aiming to improve soil fertility, enhance livestock sustainability, and generate broader socio-economic gains. By supporting small-scale farmers and promoting high-quality local products, the program strengthens community resilience, encourages entrepreneurship, and fosters the development of locally sourced goods. Additionally, the initiative serves as a model for integrating ecological management with economic development at the grassroots level.
The program also emphasizes long-term environmental stewardship and capacity building, equipping communities with the knowledge and resources needed to sustain agricultural productivity. Through workshops, guidance, and direct distribution, beneficiaries gain practical skills for cultivating, maintaining, and leveraging the seedlings for both agricultural and commercial purposes. This approach ensures that the environmental and economic benefits of the initiative are durable and impactful, contributing to Oman’s overarching goals of sustainable rural development and enhanced local food security.
