Jabal Akhdar In Oman Celebrates The Harvest Season Of The Glorious Pomegranate

The pomegranate harvest season began in Jabal Akhdar last Friday, marking the start of the 'Rummana' agritourism event. This event, which runs from July 4 to September 28, has become a significant annual attraction. Organised by Teepee Oman with the Agritourism Development Company (Janaen), it is a collaboration between Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran Group) and Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj).

Khalid bin Hamad al Aghbari, who leads the Field Work Team at Janaen, shared that the first day of harvesting attracted many visitors from both Oman and abroad. "The first day of the harvest season saw a large turnout of visitors from Oman and abroad," he stated. The event's popularity is evident as over 41,600 people have attended since Rummana began this year.

Image Courtesy: Polina Kuzovkova/Unsplash

Pomegranate Harvest Attracts Tourists

With pomegranate harvesting now in full swing, Aghbari anticipates even more visitors in the coming weeks. He highlighted that "the harvest season in Jabal Akhdar is one of the best times to visit," underscoring its appeal for both tourists and locals. The event not only boosts local tourism but also supports small and medium enterprises.

Rummana is an essential agritourism initiative in Jabal Akhdar aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism while providing visitors with a unique experience. According to Aghbari, "Visitors can enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience among the pomegranate trees with several activities offered by local businesses." This initiative helps enhance local tourism and supports small businesses.

Significant Yield Expected

This year's pomegranate harvest is anticipated to yield over 8.5 tonnes from around 667 trees. This makes the season a highlight for both farmers and tourists in Jabal Akhdar. The combination of abundant produce and engaging activities ensures that this event remains a key attraction for visitors seeking an authentic agritourism experience.

The Rummana event continues to draw attention due to its focus on sustainable tourism practices and community involvement. By offering diverse activities amidst the scenic pomegranate orchards, it provides an enriching experience for all attendees while supporting local economic growth through tourism and agriculture.

Some Other Little Facts about Pomegranate Season in Oman

• It is the higher altitudes of Oman that makes the harvesting and growth of fruits like plums, olives, walnuts, and of course, pomegranates.
• Oman's Green Mountain is said to be home to somewhere between a whopping 20,000 to 60,000 pomegranate trees.
• The pomegranate harvest season is one of the top attractions in Jabal Akhdhar and welcomes 100,000 visitors some years.
• Some spas in the region incorporate the pomegranates in the form of pedicures and spa, with the fruit playing a primary role in the service.