MUSCAT – The new decision amends provisions of Ministerial Decision No. 31/2009 to expand and update agricultural quarantine areas affected by the red palm weevil infestation across several governorates in the Sultanate.

Issued in accordance with the Agricultural Quarantine Law promulgated by Royal Decree No. 47/2004 and its Executive Regulations under Ministerial Decision No. 32/2006, it aims to strengthen measures to contain the spread of the destructive red palm weevil insect (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier), one of the most dangerous pests affecting palm trees.

Under the amended provisions, several wilayats across Oman have officially been declared agricultural quarantine areas until the causes necessitating quarantine measures cease to exist and a formal decision is issued to lift the restrictions.

The updated list of quarantine areas includes Seeb in Muscat Governorate; Thumrait in Dhofar Governorate; and the wilayats of Khasab, Dibba, Bukha, and Madha in Musandam Governorate.

Additional quarantine zones include Al Buraimi, Mahdah, and Al Sunainahin Al Buraimi Governorate; Bahla, Al Hamra, and Izki in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate; and Sohar, Shinas, Liwa, Saham, Al Khaburah, and Al Suwaiq in North Al Batinah Governorate.

In South Al Batinah Governorate, the decision covers Al Rustaq, Nakhal, and Barka, while North Al Sharqiyah Governorate includes Ibra, Sinaw, and Niyabat Samad Al Shan. The wilayats of Ibri, Yanqul, and Dhank in Al Dhahirah Governorate have also been included.

The Ministry said the amendments were introduced based on recommendations from the Directorate General of Agricultural Development and in line with public interest to safeguard agricultural resources and limit the spread of infestations affecting date palm cultivation. The red palm weevil poses a major threat to palm farms due to its ability to destroy tree trunks internally, often causing severe agricultural and economic losses if left untreated.