Oman Krishi Kotta / Krishikkottam — backyard farming community (Oman)
Muscat (nationwide), Oman · Operator: Oman Krishi Kotta（Oman Krishikkottam）
Overview
A citizen network of backyard growers begun in 2014 by ten enthusiasts in Muscat. Built on just two mechanisms — free seed distribution and peer support over WhatsApp — it spread across Oman and within a decade drew more than 4,500 families, bringing part of a heavily import-dependent food supply back into home yards.
Citizen participation
Members grow vegetables without pesticides in their own yards and terraces. Moderator-led WhatsApp groups carry day-to-day advice on soil building, planting months and pests, and experienced members run sessions at the annual seed distribution event.
Operating model
Run by volunteers. The backbone is an annual seed distribution: seeds sourced from the Government of Kerala in India are handed to members, and the 14th such event, held in Ruwi in September 2024, gave 17 vegetable varieties to over 200 attendees. Harvests mostly feed the members' own households, and no breakdown of running costs has been published.
Impact
Membership grew from ten people to more than 4,500 families, embedding pesticide-free home growing. Traditional methods circulate among members, including a home-made pest deterrent of sardines and jaggery fermented in the dark for 45 days.
Land tenure
Crops
- トマト
- オクラ
- ナス
- トウガラシ
- 長インゲン
- ニガウリ
- カボチャ
- ヘビウリ
- ホウレンソウ
- ビーツ
- ブドウ
Scale
オマーン全土に広がる家庭菜園のネットワーク。2024年4月時点で会員約4,000人（大半が女性）、同年9月時点で4,500世帯超
In the media（2）
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