BankMuscat signs MoU to enhance livelihood of farmers

His Excellency Sheikh Salim Bin Hilal Al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture, and AbdulRazak Ali Issa, Chief Executive of BankMuscat, signed the MoU, which mainly covers three projects in green house farming, modern irrigation techniques and bee-keeping.

The MoU envisages the introduction of soil-less hydroponics system for extensive vegetable cultivation, training for Omani farmers who hold Secondary school certificate to adopt modern irrigation systems using AutoCAD design while bee-keepers will be provided assistance to improve the quality of honey conforming to international standards.

Commenting on the MoU, Sheikh Salim Bin Hilal Al Khalili said: "The Ministry of Agriculture is delighted to be associated with BankMuscat in extending support to the traditional farm sector which continues to play a major role in the economic development of the Sultanate. The MoU will focus on efforts to improve the viability of the agriculture sector and thereby boost the socio-economic status of the farming community. The projects attach prime importance to conservation of the environmental resources, including water, soil and plants, based on reliable modernisation programmes."

AbdulRazak Ali Issa said:

"BankMuscat is committed to serving the community at all levels and the MoU stems from the Bank's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to enhance the livelihood of the agricultural community through sustainable technology. The support is in line with the importance accorded by the government to the development of agriculture in Oman."

The green house project is aimed at introducing the use of hydroponics system of vegetable cultivation. This will help in reducing the cost of production as well as improving crops during 'off' and 'on' agriculture seasons without exhausting soil.

The project will train farmers in the techniques and use of hydroponics system and managing green houses for crop production using Integrated Production and Protection Management (IPPM) techniques. On completion of training, farmers will implement these techniques under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project involving modern irrigation systems aims to provide alternative techniques for irrigation systems used currently. Farmers possessing Secondary school certificate will be trained on using AutoCAD programme to design, manage and maintain irrigation systems for farms and gardens. The 3-month training will be conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture.

The project involving bee-keepers aims to improve the quality of Omani honey to conform to international standards.

The project primarily involves setting up model units for honey production which will serve as reference units for 300 bee-keepers across the Sultanate. The model unit will comprise modern equipment required for producing high quality honey.