BankMuscat offers training in modern irrigation, bee-keeping

By A Staff Reporter
MUSCAT — A grassroots-level agriculture development project initiated as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) by BankMuscat has moved to a new phase of training programme for beneficiaries. Khalfan bin Saleh al Nabi, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture, presided at the launch of the training programme, in the presence of senior officials from the bank and the ministry. The training mainly covers three projects in greenhouse farming, modern irrigation techniques and bee-keeping.

Al Nabi said: “In response to the Royal directives of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos, the development of the agriculture sector assumes priority in the Sultanate. The importance attached to the farm sector stems from the fact that it touches the life of every individual in society and many people depend on it for their livelihood. We are greatly encouraged by the initiative from BankMuscat to help Omani farmers benefit from modern irrigation methods. The training programme will encourage the corporate sector to come up with similar programmes which will contribute to national development.

In view of the changing environmental scenario, modern irrigation methods are vital to sustain and improve farm produce.” The project on modern irrigation system targeted at farmers who hold Secondary School certificate, is aimed at utilising AutoCAD design applications in irrigation techniques. Eight Omani farmers from Batinah, Dakhiliyah, Dhahirah and Sharqiyah regions will be trained for four weeks wherein they will acquire sufficient knowledge and expertise to establish specialised companies dealing with modern irrigation systems.

Hydroponic greenhouses involving soil-less cultivation is another training programme to be attended by 10 farmers from Batinah, Dakhiliyah, Dhahirah and Sharqiyah regions. The introduction of soil-less hydroponics system envisages extensive vegetable cultivation. The training programme for beekeepers is aimed at improving the quality of honey to international standards. As part of this programme, an integrated unit for quality control of honey will be set up in Rostaq. The programme envisages distribution of 12 honey production units in different regions of the Sultanate.

Salim al Kaabi, Assistant General Manager — HR, said: “BankMuscat is proud to be associated with this programme aimed at improving the farm output and livelihood of farmers by utilising sustainable technology. As the nation’s leading bank, we reach out to all segments of society in order to help them make vital contributions to national development. This is an important project in view of benefits accruing to the farming community in Oman.”