MUSCAT : The discussion focused on five key areas related to food and water security in Oman. The session delved into the performance of the food and water security sector and its pivotal role in contributing to the Sultanate’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Aligning with the objectives outlined in the tenth five-year development plan (2021-2025) and the food security laboratories, discussions centered on bolstering the nation’s food security system in line with the ambitious ‘Oman Vision 2040’.

His Excellency emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing performance indicators across the agricultural, fisheries, and water resources sectors through strategic planning and the implementation of modern technologies.

Highlighting notable achievements, the Minister revealed a substantial increase in the total volume of food production from various sources, surging from 3.9 million tons in 2019 to an impressive 4.7 million tons in 2022, marking an average growth rate of 6.4 percent. Moreover, the total value of food production surged from RO 958 million to RO 1.261 billion during the same period, reflecting an average growth rate of 9.6 percent.

Underscoring the Sultanate’s remarkable progress in achieving self-sufficiency, His Excellency cited impressive figures, including a self-sufficiency rate of 151 percent in grains, 97 percent in dates, 88 percent in fresh milk, and notable percentages in poultry, table eggs, vegetables, meat, and fruits.
The Minister also shed light on the significant contribution of the agricultural and fishery sectors to the GDP, reaching 2.1 percent in 2022. Notably, this contribution to the non-oil GDP surged to 3.5 percent, driven by remarkable growth rates of 11.4 percent and 12.4 percent in agricultural and fishery activities for the years 2021 and 2022, respectively.

His Excellency reiterated the pivotal role of the private sector as a key partner in comprehensive development, emphasizing the Ministry’s efforts to empower it through active participation in various investment projects across agriculture, fisheries, and aquaculture. With a firm commitment to sustainable growth and economic diversification, the Ministry remains steadfast in its pursuit of advancing national food security and driving economic prosperity for the Sultanate.

The Minister shared positive developments in the country’s food security efforts, key highlights of which are as follows:

• Fish production witnessed significant growth from 2017 to 2022, with an annual increase of 16 percent. Production value doubled during this period, reaching RO 465 million in 2022.

• Fish exports climbed from 197,000 tons in 2017 to 248,000 tons in 2022, reaching markets in over 60 countries – Oman boasts 114 fish factories, with 78 certified for fish quality control.

• Livestock production saw a 1.9 percent increase in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching 445,000 tons. The Ministry supports the sector through a network of veterinary clinics (both fixed and mobile) and encourages investment projects.

• Plant production also experienced growth, with a 5.5 percent increase in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 3.68 million tons.

His Excellency explained that the Ministry actively monitors imported and exported food products. Additionally, initiatives like the wheat price stability program help maintain production capacity and affordability.

He pointed out that the Ministry collaborates with public and private entities on projects like establishing agricultural cities – integrated agricultural zones offering essential services for food security investments. Two such agreements have been signed for areas in Thumrait and Saham.

Joint public-private sector food security laboratories have identified 137 investment projects with an estimated value of 1.656 billion Omani riyals. These projects, upon completion, are expected to yield 852,000 tons of plant, animal, and fish products.

As far as water resource management is concerned, Oman has 186 dams with a total storage capacity of 346 million cubic meters. The Ministry prioritizes water resource management through dam maintenance, aflaj (traditional water channels) upkeep, and well rehabilitation, stated the Minister.

Towards rainfall enhancement, the Ministry has established 13 rain seeding stations across the country’s mountain ranges, contributing to a 15-18 percent increase in rainfall in recent years.

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