Oman Farmers Turn to Solar Power to Boost Sustainability

Farmers and agricultural investors across Oman are increasingly adopting solar energy systems to reduce operating costs, improve efficiency and support long-term sustainability across the country’s food production sector. The shift is being encouraged as part of wider efforts to strengthen resource efficiency and food security while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources. According to Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, solar energy is being integrated into agricultural, livestock and fisheries projects to power irrigation pumps, cooling systems, crop drying units and water management infrastructure. Officials said the transition is helping producers improve operational continuity while lowering energy expenses. Eng Mohsen bin Mohammed Al Mufarji, renewable energy engineer at the ministry, said solar power is increasingly becoming a practical economic solution rather than only an environmental choice. One of the examples highlighted is the photovoltaic project developed by A’Saffa Foods at its farm in Thumrait, which operates with a generation capacity of 7MW and is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 6,250 tonnes annually. Farmers adopting the technology have reported significant savings. Agricultural operators said solar installations are helping lower electricity costs while improving project viability and enabling more sustainable production models. The transition aligns with Oman’s broader goals of expanding renewable energy use and strengthening domestic food resilience.