The "Jabal Al-Sa'tar" farm, located in the heights of Wadi Al-Suhtan in Oman, is recognized as a success in the fields of agriculture and tourism. Ali Al-Khatri and his brothers, through great effort and hard work, managed to bring the thyme plant from the tops of the mountains to the foot of the mountain, thus creating a new path for agriculture and attracting tourists.
History and Formation of the Farm
Initially, Ali Al-Khatri and his brothers would go to difficult-to-access areas to collect thyme, spending hours on dangerous slopes. However, during one of their trips, an idea struck them: why not bring thyme down from the mountain? This thought led to the planting of 5 seedlings of this plant in the village of Al-Rugh, and over time, this farm became one of the largest thyme farms in Oman.
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Development and Operation of the Farm
Today, the "Jabal Al-Sa'tar" farm has over 100,000 thyme seedlings on an area of nearly 8 acres, with a monthly production of about 80 kilograms. This farm not only offers high-quality products but also values the collection of indigenous knowledge and the use of modern agricultural techniques. Innovative methods such as "air layering" are used in this farm to help increase the number of seedlings.
The farm is also recognized as a tourist attraction. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful mountain views and walk among the rows of thyme. Ali Al-Khatri states, "Our policy in attracting visitors is to create an agricultural and natural experience that includes walking and enjoying the scenery."
Challenges and Future of the Farm
Despite its successes, the farm faces multiple challenges. Among these challenges are the shortage of seeds and issues arising from weather conditions. Therefore, efforts to increase the number of seedlings through existing propagation methods are crucial. Ali Al-Khatri has also mentioned the development of the farm space and the addition of facilities such as a café and product exhibition.
The ultimate goal of this farm is to become one of the prominent tourist and economic destinations in Oman. With the growth and development of this project, it is expected that the visitor experience will become richer and more attractive, thereby contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.
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