Turmeric production turns into a successful Dhofar venture

Rakhyut: The project of growing turmeric has become a success story for the third consecutive year in the four wilayats of the Dhofar Governorate.

Specific areas in the wilayats of Dhalkut, Rakhyut, Salalah and Taqa are being financed by the Agricultural and Fisheries Development Fund for growing turmeric.

This success encouraged farmers in Dhofar Governorate to increase production of turmeric as it is generating good income.

Arwa A’kak, one of the beneficiaries, said that they started growing turmeric in 2022 and met with immediate success. Therefore, they increased the area of cultivation in 2023. It has now turned into a significant source for medicine and nutrition. She said that growing turmeric requires clayey soil and annual average temperature between 20 degrees Celsius and 35 degrees Celsius.

She said: “We plant between 60 and 70 kilograms of turmeric on an area of 500sqm from May end or the beginning of June, and collect over one tonnes of turmeric depending on the soil and availability of irrigation.”

She said that their produce has undergone tests and obtained certification, confirming free from over 400 types of insecticides, meaning it is 100 percent organic.

Growing turmeric reduces import and creates job opportunities for citizens and contributes to development of the local economy. -ONA