Silal prepares for grand opening, set to transform Oman’s food sector
The Khazaen Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits, better known as Silal, is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for its grand opening. After a successful trial run on June 29, Silal is ready to launch fullscale commercial operations, marking a pivotal moment for Oman’s food supply chain.
Situated in Khazaen Economic City, Silal is more than just a market; it is the heart of the Food City in Khazaen.
Spanning a significant 500 square metres and designed with future expansion in mind, this cutting-edge facility aims to revolutionise the marketing, distribution, storage, import, and re-export of vegetables and fruits both locally and internationally.
Construction of Silal kicked off in May 2022, and now, with over 98 per cent of the project completed, it stands as a shining example of strategic planning and effective execution.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources highlighted that one of Silal’s key goals is to address the high spoilage rate of vegetables and fruits, currently estimated at 3035 per cent.
By offering advanced storage and distribution facilities, Silal aims to drastically cut down on this loss, thereby boosting food security and sustainability in Oman.
The facility also presents numerous investment opportunities, especially for SMES, including spaces for ground handling, business centres and sales kiosks.
However, Silal’s vision goes beyond merely reducing waste. It seeks to transform the agricultural marketing landscape for local products, providing a strong platform for Omani farmers and local agricultural companies.
The market supports a variety of logistics services tailored for the food sector, such as central refrigeration, wholesale market areas, dry storage, and specialised workshops for sorting vegetables and fruits.
Silal also features a comprehensive range of facilities, including customs inspection platforms, agricultural quarantine zones, a food safety laboratory, and designated areas for selling and marketing local products.
Administrative offices for wholesalers are part of the infrastructure, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Silal’s objectives are closely aligned with the National Food
Security Strategy and Oman Vision 2040.
By attracting both local and international investments, Silal aims to elevate the fruit and vegetable sector’s performance and quality in Oman. It promises integrated logistical solutions for central cold and dry storage, minimising waste and enhancing the efficiency of cooling and supply chains.
Additionally, Silal is set to create direct marketing opportunities for local products, nurturing a more vibrant and sustainable agricultural sector.
This initiative not only supports Omani farmers, but also provides a robust platform for local companies to flourish in the agricultural production industry.
THE MARKET SUPPORTS A VARIETY OF LOGISTICS SERVICES TAILORED FOR THE FOOD SECTOR, SUCH AS CENTRAL REFRIGERATION, WHOLESALE MARKET AREAS, DRY STORAGE, AND SPECIALISED WORKSHOPS FOR SORTING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS.