The Sultanate of Oman is intensifying efforts to boost domestic mango production as part of a broader strategy to enhance agricultural output and reduce reliance on imports. This initiative seeks to strengthen the economic value of Omani agricultural products by developing the mango value chain, from cultivation to packaging and marketing.
Currently, Oman imports approximately 46,211 tonnes of mangoes annually, with a value near 18.7 million Omani rials (RO). This sizable import volume underscores a robust domestic market and potential investment opportunities for private sector players. Dr. Hamdan bin Salim al Wahaibi, Director General of Agricultural Development at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, emphasized that the mango sector should be approached not just as a standalone crop but as an integrated economic value chain covering seedling production, cultivation, packaging, marketing, and food processing.
Oman’s existing mango cultivation spans roughly 3,907 feddans, with production exceeding 17,123 tonnes in 2025. The government aims to increase production significantly by 2030, targeting an expansion of cultivated areas to about 10,300 feddans and boosting output to nearly 44,785 tonnes. The production value is projected to reach around RO 17 million by that time.
Dr. al Wahaibi highlighted that raising production will depend not only on expanding farmland but also on enhancing productivity per unit area, improving fruit quality, increasing water use efficiency, and selecting economically viable mango varieties. The adoption of modern irrigation systems and advanced farm management technologies will also play a crucial role.
Supporting these efforts, the Agricultural Research Station in Suhar serves as a key institution providing scientific research and practical guidance. It has established a mango genetic bank containing 252 varieties and 708 trees collected from various regions within Oman and from 23 countries worldwide. This genetic diversity allows researchers to identify and promote varieties best suited to the local environment and market demand.
Research and trials conducted at the station have led to the identification of more than 30 promising mango varieties with favorable productivity and quality characteristics. These varieties are expected to facilitate targeted expansions in cultivation that align with market needs in terms of quality, quantity, and production timing.
The period from 2026 to 2030 will focus on realizing a "qualitative leap" in mango production through intensified investment and commercial projects. The government plans to launch investment opportunities in mango cultivation in 2026, marking a shift from addressing the import gap to actively leveraging it for sustainable domestic growth in the sector. These projects are intended to foster growth, sustainability, and greater economic returns within Oman’s agricultural landscape.