MUSCAT, FEBRUARY 1: A group of passionate farmers, who have nurtured their favourite crops, will celebrate their hard work at a grand event on Friday, February 7, at the Gulf College Auditorium in Al Maabela.
Nearly 5,000 men and women, united under the name ‘Oman Krishikkoottam’ (Farmers’ Group), are set to host the 11th edition of their annual harvest festival, a vibrant celebration of farming and community. The festival will feature Anish Ravi, a celebrity in the farming world, renowned Malayalam TV anchor, actor and recipient of the Kerala State Award in 2005, as a key guest.
One of the event’s highlights is the presentation of the prestigious ‘Mathruka Karshakan/Karshaka Award’ (Model Farmer Award), which honours exceptional contributions to farming across various categories. The award serves as an inspiration, motivating the farming community through recognition of innovation and dedication.
Founded in 2014 with the goal of empowering individuals to grow vegetables for household consumption, ‘Oman Krishikkoottam’ has grown from a small WhatsApp group into a thriving network of over 5,000 members. The highly anticipated festival is expected to draw more than 1,000 expatriates and families, offering a rich celebration of farming, culture and community spirit.
In addition to its focus on farming, the group leads impactful initiatives such as the annual school farming programme at Indian School Al Buraimi, where students learn to cultivate small farmlands. A similar initiative was successfully implemented at Indian School Darsait. The group also runs a seed bank, offering free seeds to encourage year-round farming and promoting a healthier lifestyle through organic agriculture.
The festival will also feature various entertainment programmes designed for members and their families, ensuring a fun and memorable experience for everyone.