The RO36.3mn Najd Project for Agricultural Development (NPAD) is expected to produce 26,000 tonnes of fodder annually on completion, meeting a large portion of the local market needs.
The first stage of the project was recently inaugurated by H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Marhoon bin Ali al Maamari, Minister of State and Governor of Dhofar.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of H E Dr Fouad bin Jaafer al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (MoAF) and chairman of the ministerial ad hoc committee for the transfer of grass plantations to the Najd area.
"The first stage of this major project has been opened as part of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said's vision and water resources management policies," H E Sajwani said after the plaque was unveiled.
Elaborating on the project, he said, "Grass farms are being shifted from South Batinah and North Batinah governorates and Salalah to Najd in order to produce more grass, which the sultanate is facing a shortage of.
"This is an important step in ensuring price stability, as well as alleviating the burden of animal raisers and livestock farmers."
Dr Mohammed bin Ridha bin Sulaiman, deputy chairman of NADC, said that work on the project has been going on for five years. and will be completed in October 2012.
"On completion, annual production of fodder is expected to be 26,000 tonnes, which will help meet a large portion of the local market's needs."
The government has supported the project from the beginning. "It provided land and other services," H E Sajwani said. "The second and third stages of the project have also been initiated."
He expressed hope that the government would continue to support the project after the first stage.
© Muscat Daily 2011
