Oman plants 9,000 papaya trees to boost local production

An investment project to grow papaya is being implemented in the vilayat (administrative unit) of Nizwa in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. The project was initiated by local entrepreneur Faisal bin Ali Al Bahri, according to Al Shabiba, a partner of TV BRICS.

Nine thousand trees of the Red Lady hybrid variety have been planted across an area of approximately 1.7 hectares. This variety is prized for its rapid fruiting, high yield and consistent fruit quality.

The average weekly yield ranges from 2 to 3 tonnes of fresh fruit, ensuring year-round supplies to the domestic market. The produce is supplied to markets in the wilayats of Nizwa, Bahla, and al Hamra, as well as to the central wholesale market in Salalah.

The project is characterised by high planting density within a limited area. The selected variety yields a weekly harvest throughout the year, and the fruit is resistant to damage during transport, which reduces the loss rate.

From an environmental perspective, the initiative contributes to increasing green spaces, prevents desertification and fosters a sustainable agro-ecological environment. Furthermore, the project is viewed as a source of stable income and a foundation for the potential development of papaya-based processing industries – such as juices, jams and natural cosmetics.

Tree maintenance involves a balanced fertiliser regime (using both organic and processed fertilisers), regular pruning to ensure good crown ventilation and light penetration, and the thinning of damaged or overcrowded fruit to improve the marketable appearance of the remaining fruit. Irrigation is carried out via a modern drip irrigation system with the option of fertigation (the application of fertiliser via the water).

The project is overseen by Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The ministry provides technical and advisory support: agricultural engineers carry out on-site inspections of crop health, offer recommendations on protection methods and product safety, and assist with logistics for distribution through retail outlets.