Bananas and Food Security - Bioversity International

Asie - Pacifique / Asia - Pacific : P. Viswanath et al.
Agricultural production
Generally fruits are popularly grown in Oman and occupy the largest area under
cultivation, followed by forage grasses, vegetables, and cereals (Table 1, Figure 1a).
However, forages occupy the first position in respect of production followed by fruits,
vegetables and cereals. (Table 1, Figure 1b)
Banana production
Banana has been grown traditionally for a long time and appreciated for its taste and
high nutritive value. Its production in Oman is estimated to be 35.46 thousand tons from
about 2462 ha (Table 2) (Agricultural statistics 1996). It occupies the third position in
area and second position in production among all fruits grown in Oman.
Table 1. Area and production of agricultural commodities in Oman, 1997.
Commodity Area (ha) Production (1000 tons)
1- Vegetables 7,055.46 479.33
2- Cereals 5,900.42 57.83
3- Forage grasses 17,773.10 1,823.08
4- Fruits 43,802.51 575.24
Total 73,531.49 2,935.48
59%
Fig. 1a Fig. 1b
9%
Vegetables
Fruits
8%
24%
62%
Figure 1a. Area under agricultural crops in Oman. 1997.
Figure 1b. Agricultural production in Oman. 1997.
Cereals
20%
Forage Grasses
16%
2%
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