Commercial Sesame Project Launched: What It Means for Investors and Entrepreneurs in Oman

• توسط قاسم المعشنی
• آگوست 27, 2025آگوست 28, 2025
• امنیت غذایی کشاورزی عمان sesame-farming
• با 0 نظر

SALALAH, AUGUST 27 — The inaugural commercial sesame farming project in the Najd plain of Dhofar Governorate promises to bolster national food security and develop a value-added agri-food supply chain centered on this vital oilseed crop, officials report.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, in collaboration with SIFCO, Salalah Free Zone, and the Omani Agricultural Association in Dhofar, the initiative adopts a contract-farming model that directly connects farmers to processing units.

The project’s first phase covers 600 feddans (approximately 252 hectares) across 35 farms, targeting a production of 300 tonnes. By integrating cultivation and processing “from farm to factory,” it aims to provide farmers with assured off-take agreements, stable incomes, and technical assistance.

“We anticipate that future demand will be fully met domestically,” stated Yasser Hussain, Chairman of SIFCO. “However, this transition will occur in stages, driven by structured planning. Insights from this pilot will guide subsequent phases.” The harvested sesame will be processed into high-value products such as tahini, edible oils, and therapeutic oils, creating new opportunities for investors while supporting Oman Vision 2040 objectives related to food security and industrial diversification.

The Ministry highlights this initiative as a significant advancement, transforming a small seed into greater economic value through processing, improved market access, and local manufacturing—strengthening Dhofar’s farmers within a more resilient and modern supply chain.

تحلیل ویژه از عمانت | بازار عمان را کشف کنید

The launch of the commercial sesame-farming project in Dhofar presents a strategic opportunity for Omani businesses to diversify agriculture and build a robust agri-food value chain, reducing reliance on imports and boosting food security. Smart investors should consider the growing market potential in value-added sesame products like tahini and therapeutic oils, while entrepreneurs can capitalize on contract farming models that ensure steady supply and income for farmers. This initiative aligns closely with Oman Vision 2040, signaling promising prospects in agro-industrial diversification and sustainable local manufacturing.