Hi FM

Listen
On Air Non-Stop Hits Sienna Spiro - Die On This Hill

Rural women to benefit from new development initiative

Saturday, 21 February 2026 19:50

Muscat The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched a new initiative to support and empower rural women through a package of development projects across all governorates, highlighting the country’s continued emphasis on inclusive, community-based development. The initiative comes as applications open for the 2026 Rural Development Programme and places strong emphasis on […]

Muscat

The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has launched a new initiative to support and empower rural women through a package of development projects across all governorates, highlighting the country’s continued emphasis on inclusive, community-based development.

The initiative comes as applications open for the 2026 Rural Development Programme and places strong emphasis on women’s participation. Up to 75% of opportunities are reserved for women, while families under social security are given priority and are expected to make up 50% of beneficiaries. The approach seeks to widen access to development programmes and reach segments of society that would benefit most, contributing to higher household incomes and greater social stability.

The programme centres on value-added projects in agriculture, livestock, fisheries and agro-processing. Support goes beyond financing to include training, capacity building and the transfer of modern technologies. Beneficiaries will also receive guidance in quality control, packaging and marketing at both local and international levels. The integrated model addresses the full value chain – from production to market access – helping to ensure long-term sustainability.

Projects under the initiative include the provision of equipment for food processing industries, modern technologies for camel milk production, and the rehabilitation of livestock and poultry housing. Opportunities are also available in drying and packaging fruits and vegetables, processing marine products, and producing aromatic and medicinal herbs.

Additional support extends to beekeeping and honey production, laboratory testing of food products linked to agricultural, animal and fish production, dairy processing, and the recycling of agricultural waste. These activities are designed to diversify income sources and encourage small-scale entrepreneurship in rural areas.

Observers say such programmes can help transform rural women from small-scale producers into business owners capable of running sustainable enterprises, particularly when combined with technical training and advisory services. They also contribute to stronger rural communities by creating local jobs and reducing migration to urban centres.

In 2021, the ministry launched the Rifi programme in cooperation with Oman Development Bank to support and promote entrepreneurship among rural women. The programme focuses on building capacity, boosting production, promoting food security and creating self-employment opportunities.

Share

More from Muscat Daily Oman News

  • ‘Rush to break fast puts lives at risk’

    Muscat – As Ramadan progresses, a worrying pattern once again emerges on Oman’s roads: a noticeable rise in speeding and reckless driving in the minutes leading up to iftar. As the time for breaking the fast approaches, some motorists accelerate aggressively, change lanes abruptly or ignore traffic regulations in a rush to reach home for […]

  • MoL issues Ramadan workplace safety guidelines

    Muscat – The Ministry of Labour (MoL) has issued occupational health and safety guidelines for Ramadan, calling on employers to ensure a safe and healthy working environment that takes into account the physical demands of fasting. In its advisory, the ministry emphasised that employers bear responsibility for protecting workers’ wellbeing during Ramadan by implementing appropriate […]

  • Faith and fitness: Working out in Ramadan

    Muscat – Maintaining fitness during Ramadan requires structured planning, as prolonged fasting can affect muscle mass and endurance built through years of training. With restricted eating and hydration periods, exercise routines need to be modified to minimise muscle loss and preserve strength. Jaison M, gym instructor and fitness expert, outlines practical tips to help remain […]

  • Seeb Castle rises again after reconstruction

    Muscat – The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism has completed the reconstruction of Seeb Castle, rebuilding the landmark from scratch after the original structure was demolished years ago. The project restores one of the wilayat’s most recognised historical sites and reflects the ministry’s approach to reviving architectural heritage while supporting tourism development. Speaking to Muscat […]

  • OCCI to host three Ramadan evening forums 

    Muscat– The Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) will organise three Ramadan evening sessions this year focused on economic diversification and private sector growth. The first session, titled ‘The Future of the Real Estate Sector and Sustainable Cities’, will be held on Monday. It will review the new real estate development law and its […]

  • Botanic Garden invites bids for cafés, retail outlets

    Muscat – Oman Botanic Garden has invited bids for a series of hospitality and retail operations as part of new investment opportunities at the upcoming destination in Muscat. According to a tender, five opportunities are open for bidding in 2026, covering cafés, food carts, a restaurant and a gift shop within the garden premises. Two […]

FM
Online
App