Authority set up for planting 1 million date palm saplings
Posted by Zawya
Oman Daily Observer
11 July 2010


MUSCAT -- An Authority for One Million Date Palm Plantation Programme has been established which will be responsible for the implementation of the project.

In comments to the Observer, Shaikh Salim bin Hilal al Khalili, Minister of Agriculture, said the basic study on soil, water availability and pocket identification is being completed as this initial mapping is important.

Pre-planning is nearing completion so that with technical consultant expertise and co-ordination, programme will be launched very soon to start plantations, he added.

The date palm plantation programme assumes priority because His Majesty Sultan Qaboos issued Royal directives last year to plant one million date palm trees during his meet-the-people tour in the Wilayat of Ibri.

Following the Royal directives, a landmark symposium on 'Sustainable Development of Agricultural Sector' was also held at the Royal Camp at Saih al Masarat in Ibri to discuss agricultural issues.

During this visit, His Majesty the Sultan stressed that everyone should pay attention to agriculture.

His Majesty issued Royal directives to plant one million date palm trees in view of the fact that these trees had been the backbone of food security in Oman alongside other plantations, animal wealth and fisheries.

The Sultanate is keen to promote its palm tree heritage particularly following the Royal directives.

The date palm tree has a significant presence in the Omani society and it is valued for its social, religious and agricultural value. The tree parts are used for food, shelter, clothing, and fuel. Handicrafts, such as ropes and mats are woven from the branches of the tree, while the bark is very useful as a building material.

By Hasan Kamoonpuri

© Oman Daily Observer 2010

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