MUSCAT: Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources is preparing to launch 30 new investment projects focused on bolstering food security, with a combined value exceeding RO 10 million. These projects are part of the ongoing "Food Security Lab 2024," a collaborative effort between the ministry, the Follow-up Unit for the Implementation of Oman Vision 2040, the National Programme for Investment and Export Development (Nazdar), the National Employment Programme, and private sector entities. The initiative aims to strengthen local food production, enhance self-sufficiency, and reduce the country's reliance on imports.
Dr. Masoud bin Sulaiman al Azri, Director General of Agricultural and Fisheries Marketing and Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, confirmed that the projects will focus on critical areas such as strategic crops with low self-sufficiency rates, aquaculture, and water resources. “These projects will focus on crops like onions, garlic, and potatoes, as well as fish farming and water management,” he said. “The goal is to increase local production, reduce the import bill, and create job opportunities for Omanis.”
The Food Security Lab 2024, which will conclude on Thursday, builds upon the work of previous food security initiatives launched in 2021. It prioritizes attracting investment in sectors that will increase the country’s food production capacity, enhance local content, and support value-added industries. One of the lab’s key objectives is to boost Oman’s self-sufficiency in critical food products by encouraging partnerships with private sector players.
Al Azri explained that the current lab adds new dimensions to Oman’s food security strategy, with an emphasis on strategic planning and digital transformation. The Ministry has already assigned the digital transformation project to the “Idhkaa” group, which will digitize the ministry’s services. "By the end of 2025, all 248 services provided by the ministry, both public-facing and internal, will be digitized," he added.
The Tharawat platform, which will soon be launched as part of the lab’s outcomes, will streamline the ministry’s services related to agriculture, fisheries, and water resources, making them more accessible and efficient for users. This digital transformation is expected to greatly enhance service delivery, enabling faster response times and better coordination between government bodies and private stakeholders.
In addition to the 30 new projects, the ministry is overseeing more than 130 ongoing food security projects across Oman, some of which have already begun commercial operations. These include wheat production projects, which have seen the Sultanate’s wheat output increase from 2,000 tons in 2022 to over 10,000 tons so far this year. "With continued government support, we hope to further expand wheat production and other strategic crops," said Al Azri.
The ministry is also collaborating with other government entities, such as the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, to establish agricultural cities in Saham and the Najd Agricultural Region. These cities will serve as hubs for innovative agricultural practices and food processing industries, further boosting the nation’s capacity for self-reliance.
Al Azri pointed out that certain crops and products have already reached impressive self-sufficiency rates, such as fish at 158 percent, dates at 97 percent, tomatoes at 83 percent, and milk at 92 percent. “By the end of Oman’s current five-year plan in 2025, we expect even more significant improvements in self-sufficiency across various sectors,” he stated.
The ministry’s efforts are also geared toward reducing Oman’s food import bill and increasing the value of exports. While the Sultanate currently imports around 40 percent of its food, Al Azri expressed optimism that initiatives like the Al Namaa Poultry Project will help the country achieve higher self-sufficiency in products such as eggs and poultry.
The Director General further highlighted the importance of value-added industries, which aim to maximize the economic output from the country’s agricultural and fisheries resources. These industries not only contribute to food security but also create employment opportunities and foster economic growth. — ONA
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