Muscat: Oman's food security strategy aims to transform the nation from a net food importer to a producer. This strategy focuses on encouraging the growth of the food industry to achieve multiple objectives, including meeting domestic market demands, increasing the presence of Omani products in foreign markets, creating job opportunities, adding value to local resources, and enhancing the food industry's contribution to the gross domestic product.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is implementing various solutions to address the challenges faced by different food systems.
These solutions include:
• Rationalising water use in agriculture: Through the use of non-conventional water sources and innovative modern technologies.
• Expanding artificial rain: To support water resources.
• Supporting Omani products: By encouraging investment in the food industry and qualifying and training national cadres in the field of agriculture.
• Strengthening monitoring of agricultural products and educating farmers about the safe use of pesticides.
The food and water security sector witnessed the signing of several agreements and the inauguration of new projects in 2023. For instance, the Food Security Lab, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources resulted in the signing of 28 usufruct contracts and agreements worth an estimated RO 102 million. This includes an agreement to exploit lanternfish with Oman Fish Development Company, valued at RO 40 million.
Additionally, in 2023, the first international exhibition for dates and honey was organised, with the participation of 153 local and international companies.
The total deals and sales during the exhibition amounted to RO 500,000.
A significant milestone was achieved in 2023 with the inauguration of a large-scale shrimp farming project in Al Khuwaymah, Jaalan Bani Bu Ali. This project, spanning 200 hectares and representing a substantial investment of RO 17 million, has an annual production capacity of 3,200 tonnes.
Oman's agricultural and fisheries exports witnessed substantial growth in 2023. Oman successfully penetrated new markets such as Brazil, Russia and Vietnam, in addition to strengthening its presence in the Gulf region. A notable development was the signing of a bilateral agreement with China to enhance food safety standards for exported and imported products.
Additionally, Oman's key export products, dates, were granted duty-free access in major international markets like India, Turkiye and Morocco.
In 2023, Oman implemented a series of initiatives to bolster its food and water security. Accordingly, the government extended a subsidy programme to stabilise the prices of animal feed in the local market. This measure ensured that poultry and egg producers could maintain consistent production levels without being significantly impacted by fluctuating feed costs.
To guarantee the availability of affordable wheat products for consumers, the government supported milling companies through subsidies. This intervention helped stabilise the prices of flour and bakery products.
Several projects were implemented to improve water security. Notably, a number of dams are being built, including the flood protection dam in Al Jufainah area in the Wilayat of Al Amerat. This was part of a larger plan involving 7 dams to safeguard Al Amerat and Al Qurum commercial areas.
Additionally, an artificial rain station was established in Al Mudhaibi, and community-based dams were constructed in Samayil, Ibra and Nakhal.
Furthermore, traditional irrigation systems (Aflaj) and water springs were repaired and maintained.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources has outlined ambitious plans for the future, including developing a National Food Security Strategy to serve as a roadmap for the growth and development of the agricultural sector. This strategy will outline specific goals, programmes, projects and initiatives to enhance Oman's position in the global food security index.
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