MUSCAT, 3 March 2010 – His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Hilal Al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture, presided on Wednesday (3 March 2010) at a ceremony marking the conclusion of a grassroot-level agriculture development project initiated by BankMuscat as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The beneficiaries included 18 farmers who underwent training in three projects for green house farming, modern irrigation techniques and bee-keeping. The ceremony was attended by AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive of BankMuscat, H.E. Engineer Khalfan bin Saleh Al Nabi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, senior government and Bank officials.
AbdulRazak Ali Issa said: “The farm sector is a key pillar of the Sultanate’s economy. This is an important project in view of benefits accruing to the farming community. As the nation’s leading Bank, we reach out to all segments of society in order to help them make vital contributions to national development. BankMuscat is proud to be associated with this programme utilising sustainable technology to improve farm output and livelihood of farmers.”
Eight farmers who underwent training in modern irrigation system received fully-equipped farm vehicles. The beneficiaries holding Secondary School certificate were trained in utilising AutoCAD design applications in irrigation techniques. The farmers from Batinah, Dakhiliyah, Dhahirah and Sharqiyah regions were trained for four weeks to acquire expertise in establishing specialised companies using modern irrigation systems.
H.E. Engineer Khalfan Bin Saleh Al Nabi said: “In line with the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, Oman attaches great importance for development of the agriculture sector. We are greatly encouraged by the initiative from BankMuscat to help Omani farmers benefit from modern irrigation methods. The training programme will contribute to improving agriculture output in the country and the livelihood of traditional farmers. The programme is a fine example of CSR contributing to national development. In view of the changing environmental scenario, modern irrigation methods are vital to sustain and improve farm produce. The importance attached to the farm sector stems from the fact that it touches the life of every individual in society.”
Training in hydroponic greenhouse farming involving soil-less cultivation was attended by 10 farmers from Batinah, Dakhiliyah, Dhahirah and Sharqiyah regions. The introduction of soil-less hydroponic system is mainly planned for vegetable cultivation.
The training programme for beekeepers is aimed at improving the quality of honey to international standards. As part of this programme, an integrated unit for quality control of honey will be set up in Rostaq, besides 12 honey production units in different regions of the Sultanate.