Omani farmer turns his guava farming dream into a reality

Muscat: Salim bin Said Al Azizi, an ambitious youth from the wilayat of Dhank, started his dream of growing Guava trees on his fertile land and turned his passion into a successful agricultural project.

This move sets an example for others in the field of diversification of agricultural products and achievement of sustainability.

Speaking on his journey of growing Guava trees, he said that it all started four years back by planting 100 Guava trees of Indian, Omani and Egyptian origin at his farm in Al Azizi area in the wilayat of Dhank.

The selection of these species of guava trees was based on the recommendations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources as these species are suitable for the climate conditions in Oman, he added.

Speaking on his motivation for growing guava trees, he said that the local demand for the guava fruit encouraged him to plant such trees.

The productivity of trees is good and the harvest period extends from February to July, he added.

On the productivity and marketing of guava fruit, he said that the productivity of the tree is approximately forty five kilograms and this year’s total production stood at 4.5 tonnes.

“We sell our products at the local market and the neighbouring areas and families approach our farm for buying and for the personal experience of picking the fruit and sharing the photos and the experience with others through the social media, which attracts more customers,” he said.

On the challenges he faced during the journey of growing guava trees, he said that the high temperatures which sometimes reach 50 °C is one of the key challenges besides the problem of insects.

“However with the use of the modern techniques and the support of the Agricultural Counselling Technician at the Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources Department in the Wilayat of Dhank, we managed to overcome these challenges,” he added.

Salim Al Azizi concluded by saying that he aspires to increase the area of growing the guava trees and the productivity to reach all local markets.