Oman launches first commercial sesame cultivation project in Dhofar
The initiative, implemented in partnership with Sifco, Salalah Free Zone, and the Omani Agricultural Association in Dhofar, covers 600 acres in the Al-Najd area.
OMAN – The Sultanate of Oman has taken a significant step toward enhancing national food security with the launch of its first commercial sesame cultivation project in the Al-Najd area of Dhofar Governorate.
This pioneering initiative, announced on August 3, 2025, aims to reduce reliance on sesame imports, strengthen local agricultural supply chains, and position Dhofar as a hub for agricultural innovation.
The project, a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources in partnership with the Specialized Integrated Food Company (Sifco), Salalah Free Zone, and the Dhofar branch of the Omani Agricultural Association, spans 600 feddans (approximately 252 hectares) across 35 farms.
It is expected to yield 300 tonnes of sesame seeds in its initial phase, with Sifco committing to purchase the entire harvest to support local farmers.
Sesame, a crop well-suited to the desert climate of Al-Najd, is valued for its high nutritional content and versatility in food, cosmetic, and medicinal industries. By linking farmers directly to processing facilities through a contract-farming model, the initiative ensures guaranteed offtake, stable incomes, and technical support for growers.
“This project is a qualitative leap forward. It transforms a small seed into greater value through processing, market access, and local manufacturing, anchoring Dhofar’s farmers in a modern, resilient supply chain,” said Yasser Hussain, Chairman of Sifco.
The initiative is expected to produce high-value products such as tahini, halva, and edible and therapeutic oils, creating new opportunities for investors and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Oman’s food sector.
Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Tabuk, CEO of Salalah Free Zone, emphasized the project’s role in fostering economic development.
“This initiative reflects our strategy to stimulate partnerships between investors and local producers, building integrated value chains based on local resources,” he said.
“It supports sustainable development in Dhofar and contributes to Oman’s broader goals of self-sufficiency.”
Empowering farmers and building value chains
The project’s contract-farming model is designed to empower the 35 participating farmers by providing them with a secure market for their harvest and access to technical expertise.
This “farm-to-factory” approach ensures that sesame production is seamlessly integrated with food manufacturing, reducing waste and enhancing efficiency.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, along with the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, has played a key role in facilitating this collaboration.
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