Oman tourism: Get a glimpse of grapes harvest in Yanqul's tourist haven of Al Waqbah

Yanqul: Al Waqbah town in the Wilayat of Yanqul in the Governorate of A’Dhahirah is famous for its farms, green orchards and crops, which are rich in fruits, citrus and other crops.
The town is located about 40 kilometres away from the wilaya’s centre and is a unique tourist destination.
It is a crossing point and a road junction between the Governorates of A’Dhahirah, North Al Batinah and Al Buraimi. It is spread over the mountain sides of the western Al Hajar Mountains range, surrounded by mountains and valleys from all sides.
Al Waqbah is characterised by tourist sites and many natural sites, such as high peaks, caves, natural valleys, farms and pure water sources. It is also famous for its “Aflaj” or ancient irrigation system or water channels and waterways that rely on rainwater.
Many agricultural crops are grown in this town during the summer and winter, where all types of date palm trees and vegetables, such as carrots, onions, garlic, squash, eggplant, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, parsley, pepper, pumpkin, wheat and barley are grown, along with lemon, bananas, mangoes, oranges, olives, pomegranates and figs.
Recently, strawberry, cherry and hibiscus have also been planted as the favourable weather in the region aids the growth of these fruits.
Ibrahim bin Salim Al Alawi, a farmer from Al Waqbah, said, “One of the most important agricultural crops planted in the town is grapes of different varieties that are spread across farms and homes. Villagers are keen on growing grapes from the beginning of the season.”
As soon as summer begins, farmers begin harvesting grapes, citrus and fruits, but, vineyards with their varieties have the greatest interest among farmers in the town.
Al Alawi added that he has been growing this crop for a long time and that his family is also growing it. He explained that there are several other varieties of grapes, such as Al Tai’fi, the white and the imported, which are successfully grown in the town.
As the month of June begins, farmers start to prepare for the harvest. They gather at homes where they give to relatives, friends and neighbours.
Khamis bin Mohammed al-Issa’ee said the grapes harvest needs attention from the start, beginning, with the ploughing of the soil. Farmers take care of the trees, trim them, and use organic fertilisers to get the best harvest of the delicious grapes.