Muscat: With an emphasis on food security and environmental resilience, the Ministry has unveiled significant strides in Oman’s agricultural, fisheries, and water resource sectors.

The Ministry’s 2023 annual report highlights Oman’s impressive agricultural capacity, with 5.5 million acres of agricultural or reclaimable land — making up 7.5% of the nation’s total land. The diverse climate and solid agricultural infrastructure, supported by 26 research centers, 18 quarantines, and a workforce of 256 Omanis, provide a strong foundation for growth. The cultivated area reached 293,000 acres this year, and plant production has maintained an average growth rate of 5.2% from 2019 to 2023.

Oman’s dedication to self-sufficiency is reflected in its high production rates: 77% for vegetables, 97% for dates, and 26% for other fruits. Despite a 14.4% rise in exports and an 11% increase in agricultural imports totalling RO 1,295 million.

A key player in this mission, the Food Security Laboratories Programme, is a collaborative venture uniting government, academic, private sector, and civil society partners to propel food production, technology adoption, and job creation for Omanis, enhancing local investment in agricultural projects.

Oman’s agricultural research continues to tackle crucial challenges, such as improving water-use efficiency, managing soil health, and advancing pest control efforts. Projects under the Ministry include the national strategy for date palm cultivation, pest control initiatives like the integrated crop management system for tomatoes, and the annual Palm Dubas management, which covered over 35,000 acres in 2023.