MUSCAT: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signed yesterday, May 11, 2023, a total of 30 land usufruct agreements for the implementation of agricultural projects in the new Najd Agricultural Zone in Dhofar Governorate.
The agreements, covering a total area of 1.26 million square metres, will enhance the Najd’s appeal as Oman’s newest farming hub, as well as strengthen the nation’s food security strategy.
Present at the signing was Eng Hamad bin Ali al Nazwani, Housing Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, among other officials.
This momentous initiative, known as the usufruct land programme, is poised to transform the Sultanate of Oman's agricultural, commercial, industrial, and tourism sectors.
By employing state-of-the-art scientific methodologies and innovative approaches, the programme aims to meet the nation's growing demands for food security while aligning with the overarching national strategy for provincial development.
Speaking exclusively to the Observer, Ahmad al Maashani, Director of the Department of Lands, Dhofar Governorate, said the land usufruct contracts will bolster the Najd Agricultural Zone’s contribution to Oman’s food security goals.
They are the result of a partnership between the Dhofar Municipality and the Development Office of the Najd Agricultural Zone, which are committed to achieving the objectives outlined in Vision 2040, he noted.
The Naja Agricultural Zone, encompassing the governorates of Thamrait, Shalim and the Halaniyat, Al Mazyounah, and Muqshin, holds immense agricultural potential. It serves as a pivotal center for attaining self-sufficiency in food production and fostering sustainable agricultural practices throughout the country, Al Maashani said.
“The collaborative nature of this initiative, involving governmental bodies and regional entities, underscores Oman's dedication to strengthening food security and advancing the agricultural sector. With a focus on increasing local agricultural output, this project is poised to create sustainable employment opportunities within the agricultural domain, consequently benefiting the community and boosting the local economy,” the official stated.
The collaboration between the Dhofar municipality and the Development Office of the Najad Agricultural Zone demonstrates a united front in pursuing comprehensive development and embracing innovative approaches in line with Oman's ambitious Vision 2040, he added.
The Lands Department in Dhofar signed a total of over 500 usufruct contracts in 2022, covering land plots earmarked for industry, commerce, fuel stations, services, food security, education, sports, and healthcare, further solidifying the programme's multifaceted impact on the country's progress.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
