Small farm near Sohar – need sturdy crates for lime harvest
We've got a lime farm about 30km outside Sohar and harvest season is coming up in a couple months. Up until now we've been using these old woven bags that the previous owners left behind, but the limes get bruised so easily and honestly we lose a good percentage to damage before they even reach the market. I want to switch to hard plastic crates but I'm having a hard time finding anything locally. I've been asking around for plastic crates in Sohar but most shops just look at me funny and offer me small household storage bins. I saw online that there are companies in Dubai and Sharjah that specialize in agricultural crates but I'm not sure if they deliver this far or if the shipping would cost more than the crates themselves. Does anyone here have experience getting crates shipped to the Batinah region from the UAE? Or is there a supplier in Oman that I just haven't found yet? I need maybe 200 to 300 crates, something around 40x30 cm, with holes for ventilation so the limes don't sweat. Any advice on the best plastic type that won't get brittle in the sun would also be great. Thanks everyone.
This is an important issue for agricultural producers because proper handling and transportation can significantly reduce product losses. Switching from woven bags to durable plastic crates may help protect limes from bruising and improve overall product quality when reaching the market. It may also be worth comparing local suppliers with regional distributors to balance shipping costs and long-term durability. Similarly, a marketing course helper can assist students in evaluating options, making informed decisions, and improving strategic planning skills.