Friday 06 / September / 2024
Muscat: Cultivating medicinal plants that help cure a number of common ailments, including cough, colds, fever, burns, skin diseases, wounds, and even fractures, is the passion of an Omani national who lives in the country’s southern Dhofar region.
Sheikh Salem Jarboun Hardan, who lives in the village of Araf in Wilayat Dhalkut, has always been interested in planting trees that have medicinal benefits, because of the value this provides to the community.
He is also working on methods to convert the seasonal agricultural practices of farmers into more sustainable cultivation that can be done throughout the year.
“I grow a number of plants – such as myrrh – that were previously used to treat many medical ailments,” he told Oman News Agency.
“I also cultivate trees like jatropha, gum-based trees that are used as treatments and dressings for wounds and fractures.”
Sheikh Hardan also grows a number of crops that are used daily, such as corn, lemons, papayas, bananas, sugarcane, and a number of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, zucchinis, sweet potato, mint, and turmeric.
He’s also successfully managed to plant trees from the seeds of imported fruit, such as grapefruit, jackfruit, oranges, and mangoes.
The Dhofar region has long been known for its agriculture, livestock and fishing traditions that have been the backbone of sustenance for the people of the area for generations. The flat land, good weather and fertile terrain make it excellent for crop cultivation.
“We must pay attention towards developing our agriculture and livestock: they have important economic benefits that will help diversify families’ incomes, and help meet our needs for food,” said Sheikh Hardan.
