MUSCAT : The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Blue Waters company signed here today two land development (usufruct) agreements to the tune of OMR 13.4 million.

The first agreement is related to tuna dieting, while the second agreement is on fin fish farming.

The agreements were signed by Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources and Sheikh Nasser Sulaiman Al Harthy, Chairman of Blue Waters’ Board of Directors.

Al Habsi said that the agreements came within the framework of the ministry’s efforts in expanding fish farming projects which contribute to increasing local fish products, as well as providing job opportunities for Omani youth. Those projects will also boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The usufruct agreement for the tuna dieting project is considered a new initiative on the global level. It targets international markets that import high quality tuna. As per this agreement, the production capacity is expected to reach 400 tons for the first phase, while future expansion will increase the production to 2,000 tons. The project, worth OMR 4.8 million, will be set up on a total area of 193 hectares.

The fin fish farming project will expand its capacity from 3,000 tons to reach 5,000 tons. As per this agreement, the project will be expanded by developing a new marine area in the Wilayat of Quriyat on a total area of 3.75 million square meters to the tune of OMR 8.6 million.