Oman launches major agro logistics hub in Dhofar to boost national food security
Developed in collaboration with the Najd Agricultural Development Office under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project will offer a range of post-harvest services
OMAN – The Oman Agriculture Development Company (OADC), formerly known as Nakheel Oman Development Company, has broken ground on a major agro logistics facility in the Najd region of Dhofar Governorate.
The initiative forms part of Oman’s broader strategy to enhance food self-sufficiency and modernize its agricultural infrastructure.
Officially titled the Integrated Center for the Collection, Sorting, and Marketing of Agricultural Products, the new facility is being constructed at Saih al Khairat and will have an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes. It is envisioned as a centralized hub for the aggregation and handling of produce from the Najd Agricultural Zone, the largest farming zone in the country.
Developed in collaboration with the Najd Agricultural Development Office under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the project will offer a range of post-harvest services.
These include collection from farmers, cold storage, sorting, packaging, and processing. According to OADC, a subsidiary of Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj), these services will help reduce post-harvest losses, raise product quality, and improve market access for local producers across Oman and the wider region.
Slated for completion by the end of Q2 2026, the agro logistics hub is positioned as a strategic enabler for the Najd zone, which spans more than 54,000 acres. With its ample groundwater reserves, fertile soils, and favorable climatic conditions, Najd is increasingly being recognized as Oman’s future breadbasket. It plays a central role in the country’s vision to reduce dependency on food imports and bolster domestic food production.
The region has seen a surge in agricultural investment in recent years. As of the end of 2024, agricultural and farm assets in Najd were valued at approximately OMR 190 million (US$ 493 million), with an additional OMR 50.5 million (US$ 131 million) in development.
Farm revenues during the 2023/2024 season reached OMR 66 million (US$ 171 million), with the livestock sector contributing OMR 40 million (USD 104 million). Crop production has also expanded significantly, wheat output increased by 600% to 10,510 tonnes in 2024, while date production nearly quadrupled to 1,880 tonnes.
In light of this growth, a masterplan is underway for a new Agricultural City in Najd. The proposed city will integrate advanced agri-processing facilities, agricultural education and training centers, and agri-tourism offerings.
The plan also emphasizes the adoption of smart agriculture technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, aquaponics, and AI-based farm management tools. Sustainability will be a key pillar, with a strong focus on efficient water use and land allocation for diverse agricultural and post-harvest activities.
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