Oman unveils US$97M to strengthen national food security
The lab announced the implementation of 31 enabling initiatives and 27 investment projects, in addition to identifying 62 promising investment opportunities across vital sectors.
OMAN – Oman has earmarked US$97 million for new food security initiatives aimed at boosting domestic production, enhancing self-sufficiency, and strengthening resilience across key agricultural sectors.
The funding, announced at the conclusion of the Food Security Lab, is part of the country’s broader strategy under Oman Vision 2040 to achieve sustainable food and water systems while reducing reliance on imports.
The closing ceremony of the Lab, held under the patronage of Dr. Khamis bin Saif Al Jabri, Chairman of the Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit, marked the formal rollout of 27 investment projects and 31 enabling initiatives across Oman’s governorates.
In addition, the Lab identified 62 new investment opportunities across vital sectors including plant production, fisheries, livestock, and water resources.
Central to Oman’s strategy is the “Localising the Second Billion” initiative, designed to strengthen food manufacturing, enhance export competitiveness, and reduce dependency on imported products.
Under the ongoing Food Security Investment Programme, Oman has already committed US$954 million to plant production, US$809 million to livestock, US$1.64 billion to fisheries, and US$958 million to water resources. demonstrating a balanced approach to achieving food and water security.
Multi-sectoral investments to boost production
The fisheries sector emerged as the largest recipient, with four projects valued at USD 81.4 million, underscoring Oman’s strong aquaculture potential.
The plant production sector followed with 21 projects worth US$14.6 million, while livestock and water resources accounted for US$702,000 and US$130,000, respectively.
During the sessions, 13 usufruct contracts were signed in partnership with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, targeting diverse governorates to enhance localized agricultural production and private sector participation.
Among the notable regional projects unveiled, Dhofar Governorate emerged as a focal area for agricultural expansion, with a large-scale local garlic cultivation project covering 1,000 acres and valued at US$1.68 million.
The governorate will also see the establishment of lemon and frankincense plantations, together adding about US$ 746,000 in new investments.
In North Al Batinah, initiatives include the cultivation of wild truffles in Saham and combined bean and potato production in Al Suwaiq, with the two projects totaling US$341,000.
In South Al Batinah, a vegetable cultivation venture in Barka valued at US$ 300,000 aims to boost domestic supply of fresh produce.
The Al Dakhiliyah Governorate will host an olive cultivation project in Jabal Shams worth US$ 186,000, supporting Oman’s growing interest in high-value horticultural crops suited to its mountain environments.
Moving north, Al Buraimi will benefit from a dual-purpose livestock and feed project focusing on goat and sheep breeding and fodder production across 100 acres, with an investment value of US$ 747,000.
In the capital region, Muscat Governorate, two strategic projects are set to diversify food-linked investment, an agri-tourism development in Al Amerat worth USD 2.49 million, and a nursery andmother plant project in Al Khoudh valued at US$ 556,000 to enhance the supply of quality seedlings and planting materials.
In Al Dhahirah, millet cultivation in Dhank will be introduced under a US$ 322,000 initiative, contributing to crop diversification in arid zones.
Meanwhile, South Al Sharqiyah will see the launch of a potato production project in Jaalan Bani Bu Hassan valued at US$ 173,000, further advancing Oman’s drive toward localized staple food production.
Building sustainable and digital food systems
Beyond production, Oman is investing heavily in infrastructure and innovation to ensure long-term sustainability.
Notable projects include the Integrated Food Market in Al Amerat (USD 5.7 million), a pond-based aquaculture project in Al Khuwaimah (US$ 26.6 million), a white-legged shrimp farm in Awrab (US$ 16.5 million), and the expansion of Khasab Port (US$ 20.8 million).
In collaboration with Nama Water Services, the Ministry of Agriculture launched a programme to train 80 Omani SMEs in advanced irrigation and pipe installation systems, reinforcing local capacity for efficient resource management.
Complementing these are institutional initiatives focused on veterinary training, leadership development, and fishermen qualification, designed to build human capital across food value chains.
Sustainability measures introduced by the Lab include new financing schemes to boost cooperation between banks and agribusinesses, promote clean-energy use in farming, and enhance desalination for saline wells.
On the digital front, Oman unveiled the “Tharwat Plus” data initiative, a food tracking system, and an open data platform for sustainable food planning, laying the foundation for a tech-enabled food ecosystem.
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