MUSCAT: The 5th International Exhibition for Agriculture, Food, and Aquaculture (Oman AgroFood 2023) commenced here yesterday, November 4, under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Speaking to the press, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing at the Ministry, Dr Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, highlighted the significance of this exhibition: “The exhibition truly highlights the importance of modern technologies in various agricultural and aquaculture sectors, shedding light on the latest advancements in food security, across agriculture, livestock and fisheries, as well as water resources.” According to Dr Al Azri, the exhibition will provide local companies the opportunity to further expand. “The goal of this exhibition is to bring in modern technology, transfer knowledge, and connect Omani companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, with global companies operating in the fields of food security.” Food security a key pillar of the Oman Vision 2040 plan, as the Government aims to establish complete food sufficiency by 2040. Last year, Oman ranked third regionally and 35th globally on the Global Food Security Index.
Just this year alone, the Government signed 40 contracts to help boost food security in the country with an investment value of over RO 9 million. 37 of these contracts were allocated to wheat cultivation developments in the Najd Agricultural Zone in the Dhofar Governorate, which has an annual produce output of 52,000 tonnes.
Furthermore, the agricultural and fisheries sector, which contributed 1.8 per cent of the local GDP in 2022, plays a crucial role in diversifying the economy in alignment with Vision 2040. Mordor Intelligence, estimates the agriculture market in Oman to be valued at around $2.11 billion currently and expects it to grow to reach $2.84 billion by 6.16 per cent in five years.
According to Ministry officials, over 130 companies from 12 countries are participating in this year’s exhibition which is taking place until December 6, 2023.
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