Community-driven initiative promotes organic farming in backyards in Oman

Community-driven initiative promotes organic farming in backyards in Oman

Community-driven initiative Oman Krishi Kotta engaged in the promotion of backyard farming, will celebrate its 10th anniversary on April 19Muscat – Community-driven initiative Oman Krishi Kotta, which is engaged in the promotion of backyard farming, will celebrate its tenth anniversary on April 19.

Dedicated to fostering a culture of sustainable agriculture with a vision to reconnect people with Mother Earth, while promoting pesticide-free farming practices, Oman Krishi Kotta has grown into a vibrant community of 4,000 members, mostly women, spread across Oman. The group started with 200 members. 

According to Vinod Kumar, an administrator of Oman Krishi Kotta, cultivating food naturally without the use of artificial pesticides is at the core to the group’s objectives. “Embracing traditional wisdom, one of our unique practices involves the creation of a natural pesticide using a blend of sardines fish and jaggery, left to ferment in darkness for 45 days. This eco-friendly alternative not only safeguards crops but also nurtures soil health, utilising food waste as a valuable resource.”

The group distributes seeds sourced from the Government of Kerala, India, giving members the means to grow their own food. Each year, Oman Krishi Kotta distributes thousands of packets of seeds, each containing 15 varieties of fruits and