Augmentation of Agricultural Diversity Through New Crops to Omani Cropping Systems

The cropping diversity in Omani agriculture is limited particularly in agronomic nature of field crops which is severely impacting on farm returns and food sustainability. Horticultural crops are contributing about 52% to Omani agriculture while agronomic field crops (Wheat, Barley, Sugarcane, Corn etc.) sharing only 8%. Climate change, soil salinity, drought and heat stress are making the problem more severe in hampering agricultural growth and diversifying the economy in the Sultanate of Oman. Having narrow cropping diversity and ever increasing climate change have imposed the threat of crop failure and food insecurity. Therefore, the introduction of new crops having the ability to cope with such environmental adversity may offer a viable strategy to promote sustained and profitable agricultural practices in Oman. It is noteworthy that some exotic perennial forage grasses was tested in Oman and Rhodes grass proved to be the best for cultivation because of its productivity/palatability under extreme conditions. This particular new introduction to the cropping system has changed entirely the forage landscape in Oman. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) has been known as super cereal food grain crop having climate resilient and abiotic stresses (salinity, drought, and frost) tolerance characteristics. Quinoa has the potential to enhance sustainable food grain supply particularly in a fast changing climatic scenario. Moreover returns from Quinoa in international market are much higher compared to other cereal grains. Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) is a promising spring-summer legume grain and forage crop. In recent years, Guar cultivation has been increasing mainly in arid and semi-arid regions of the world for its significant industrial and food uses. Guar has a degree of water stress and salinity tolerance due to its ability to extract water from deep soil layers through its tap root system. Therefore, it is worth testing/introducing the aforementioned new crops to existing cropping system of Oman. Both crops are water efficient t and can tolerate some degree of environmental stress. These traits may help in bringing marginal areas under cultivation and enhance the diversification of the economy which is at present largely oil based. Objectives: 1) To introduce new and climate resilient crops to the existing cropping system of Oman for increasing cropping diversity2) To enhance the farm income and sustained supply of novel agricultural products3) To collect and screen climate resilient genotypes of Guar and Quinoa for drought and salinity tolerance in controlled conditions4) To assess the performance of the selected cultivars of these crops (Guar and Quinoa) under field conditions in different agro-ecological conditions of Oman for their qualitative and quantitative traits5) To work out profitability through crop economic analysis