MUSCAT : Held under the slogan “A Sustainable Food Future”, the seminar was organized by the Food Security Committee of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s North Al Batinah branch and was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ali bin Mohammed Al-Hamdi, Chairman of the Food Security Committee, said the symposium reflects the committee’s commitment to enhancing integration between the agricultural and industrial sectors and creating sustainable partnerships that support Oman’s food security objectives.

He noted that the initiative aims to strengthen direct communication between farmers and food manufacturers, encourage the use of locally produced agricultural goods, and improve supply chains to ensure sustainability and efficiency. The seminar also sought to provide farmers with stable marketing opportunities, reduce dependence on imported raw materials, and familiarize producers with industry standards related to quality, packaging and supply.

The event featured a series of specialized presentations highlighting the governorate’s agricultural and industrial potential. Engineer Nasser bin Ali Al-Marshoudi, Director General of the Directorate General of Agricultural and Fisheries Wealth and Water Resources in North Al Batinah, outlined the governorate’s strategic advantages, including its six sea and land ports that facilitate trade and access to regional and global markets.

He revealed that North Al Batinah is home to more than 14,000 farmers and boasts over 99,000 acres of agricultural land, providing a strong foundation for expanding food production and processing industries. Al-Marshoudi emphasized that the “farm-to-factory” model enhances the value of national products, reduces waste, strengthens food value chains and supports investment in the sector.

He also highlighted efforts to digitize investment opportunities through the “Tatweer” platform and showcased a project in Al Shater, Al Suwaiq, which focuses on collecting farm waste and converting it into concentrated animal feed. Spanning 6.1 acres, the initiative is expected to contribute to resource sustainability and food security.

Meanwhile, Engineer Mazen bin Saif Al-Harasi, Operations Manager for Vegetables and Fruits at Oman Agriculture Development Company, presented the company’s achievements in building an integrated agricultural and industrial system. He said the company currently manages around 30,000 acres of farmland, including nearly 400,000 date palms and 30,000 Omani lemon trees, alongside banana cultivation and other agricultural projects.

Al-Harasi noted that the company’s Nizwa Dates Industrial Complex has the capacity to process 30,000 tonnes of dates and date-based products annually. He added that the company’s products are now exported to more than 20 countries, reflecting the growing competitiveness of Omani agricultural products in international markets.

The symposium concluded with direct bilateral meetings between farmers and leading national companies, including Sohar Mills, Muscat United Food Industries, Sugar Refining Company and Oman Agriculture Development Company. Discussions focused on potential cooperation opportunities, addressing farmers’ concerns and laying the groundwork for future memoranda of understanding and partnership agreements aimed at strengthening collaboration between the agricultural and industrial sectors and advancing Oman’s food security goals.

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