Vertical Farming Oman Tender

Scope of WorkTo Set up Vertical Farming Project in Oman.DescriptionThe Sultanate is weighing plans to set up its first Vertical Farming Project a landmark initiative which when eventually implemented will mark the countrys maiden foray into what is billed globally as the future of sustainable agriculture. Vertical farming refers to the practice of cultivating all kinds of fruits vegetables and other crops in vertically stacked layers such as in buildings or skyscrapers shipping containers and even repurposed warehouses. It allows for optimisation of cultivation using various kinds of soilless farming techniques such as hydroponics aquaponics aeroponics and so on an enterprise that is seen as promising for Omans arid climate. The initiative is being spearheaded by Oman Food Investment Holding Company SAOC OFIC the governments food sector investment and development arm. A portfolio of new projects slated for implementation over the 2021-2026 timeframe includes a first-ever commercial-scale Vertical Farming project which will planned to come up at Al Khoudh in Muscat Governorate.With vertical farming multiple types of crops can be cultivated at the same time across different levels while cultivation can be prioritised to give importance to for example organic produce or high-value crops. Furthermore with the aid of special LED lighting and other technologies output can be optimised by as much as 10 times the yield from traditional farming. Unlike conventional cultivation which is susceptible to weather-related disruptions natural pests and climate-related vagaries vertical farming is undertaken in temperature-controlled indoor settings and thus shielded from external factors. In place of soil as a cultivation medium peat moss or coconut husk can be used. Water usage typically a major challenge in countries like Oman can be minimised to less than a tenth of the requirement. Success in the delivery of the Al Khoudh project could potentially position Oman as a key player in vertical farming in the region.