Since its inauguration on June 29, the Silal Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits has welcomed over 1,100 refrigerators, with a collective capacity exceeding 26,000 tons of goods sourced from the country of origin, the local market, and neighboring markets. Situated in the Wilayat of Barka, the market aims to elevate wholesale trade in the fruit and vegetable sector through its array of equipment, facilities, and services catering to traders, importers, and exporters.
Othman bin Ali al Hatali, the Director of Operations at Silal Market, highlighted the market’s current capacity of over 25,000 tons of fruits and vegetables. He underscored that the market’s facilities are designed to uphold the quality of produce, thereby reducing spoilage rates by ensuring goods are stored in optimal conditions. Notably, the market features an air-conditioned wholesale hall spanning 30, 000 square meters and 90 refrigerated warehouses, each with an area of 126 square meters. All the available refrigerators have been rented out, indicating the market’s importance among merchants and the strong demand for its services.
Silal Market distinguishes itself by offering an integrated system of regulatory and administrative services. It provides customs inspection, quarantine procedures, and food safety services through a unified inspection station and a comprehensive laboratory for swift sample analysis.
To facilitate smooth operations, the market has been designed to accommodate truck entry efficiently, particularly during peak times, with seven modern gates tailored to handle various types of trucks. The truck entrances are kept separate from those designated for light vehicles, ensuring streamlined traffic flow.
Emphasising the significance of local products, Al Hatali noted that Silal Market serves as a comprehensive hub for Omani agricultural goods. The market receives products from diverse governorates, redistributing them to major markets across the country. Additionally, Silal Market actively encourages Omani farmers to expand their agricultural activities by offering a facility for receiving and inspecting local products, thereby enabling Omani companies to export their goods internationally and enhance the economic value of Omani products.
Al Hatali reaffirmed Silal Market’s open invitation to retailers from all governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The market has provided ample parking spaces and numerous services to enrich the shopping experience for buyers sourcing products from wholesalers within the market. The early success of Silal Market in the fruit and vegetable sector is anticipated to advance the wholesale trade industry in Oman, promote re-exports, and position the market as a preferred destination for merchants seeking to conduct their business operations efficiently and effectively.
Oman Observer