Oman Flour Mills leads kingdom’s first-ever millet cultivation initiative

OMAN – Oman Flour Mills (OFM) is spearheading an initiative to reduce Oman’s reliance on grain imports by introducing millet cultivation for the first time in the Kingdom.

As one of Oman’s largest food companies, OFM is majority-owned by the government through Nitaj (Oman Food Investment Holding Company), which serves as the food sector investment arm of the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).

Millets, a diverse group of nutrient-rich cereals, are recognized for their high mineral, protein, and antioxidant content. Their fiber-rich composition plays a vital role in regulating intestinal function, blood sugar levels, and lipid metabolism. Increasingly, millets are being embraced globally as a cost-effective alternative for enhancing food security.

Ahmed bin Ali al Bulushi, Chairman of OFM Group’s Board of Directors, confirmed that the company is in the final stages of importing millet seeds, with plans to cultivate millets domestically.

He highlighted that Oman’s favorable growing conditions present an opportunity to diversify agricultural production. This strategic move aligns with OFM’s mission to secure key grain commodities, primarily wheat, corn, and barley, at competitive costs.

The company has already invested in silo complexes in Muscat and Suhar for grain storage, alongside adequate milling capacity. Additionally, OFM is a major player in Oman’s feed mill sector, which supplies essential feed for livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries.

Oman’s proposed millet cultivation aligns with the global trend of incorporating these cereals into national diets due to their affordability and health benefits. Reinforcing this trend, the UN General Assembly, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) to promote their significance.

Furthermore, millets’ adaptability to harsh climates makes them particularly suitable for cultivation in Oman.

As a drought-resistant crop, millet can support national food security efforts while also providing economic opportunities for small-scale farmers. By integrating millet cultivation into existing agricultural activities, farmers can supplement their incomes alongside the production of wheat, fruits, and vegetables.

Additionally, this initiative builds on Oman’s recent efforts to boost local grain production. In 2024, Oman Flour Mills procured approximately 10,000 tonnes of domestically grown wheat under the Subsidised Wheat Procurement Programme, doubling its procurement from the previous year’s 5,000 tonnes.

This increase underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening the country’s food security and supporting local agriculture. With millet cultivation on the horizon, OFM is taking another step toward a more self-sufficient and sustainable agricultural sector.

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.