Rustaq: The Sultanate of Oman is actively pursuing investments across the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors with the objective of attaining self-sufficiency in food production.
As a component of the comprehensive food security strategy, a collective of 65 investment prospects with an aggregate value exceeding OMR30 million has been initiated as of the first half of the current year, specifically in the South Al Batinah Governorate, in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.
Mr. Amer bin Humaid al Shibli, the Director General of the General Directorate of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources in South Al Batinah, affirmed that these initiatives are designed to enhance food security within the Sultanate of Oman across various sectors, including poultry, dairy, apiculture, and agricultural cultivation.
Mr. Al Shibli further elaborated that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning has offered lands for the establishment of projects within the South Al Batinah Governorate. The forthcoming period will witness the solicitation of investment opportunities aimed at the localization of breeds such as sheep and goats, in addition to the establishment of a center dedicated to the procurement and sale of fodder.
Moreover, quality projects involving organic agriculture and aquaculture will be pursued. Mr. Al Shibli also mentioned the development of an integrated center equipped with training workshops for rural women, contributing to their empowerment within the South Al Batinah Governorate.
Within the fisheries sector, Mr. Al Shibli detailed plans for the investment of funds in fish cultivation to meet the demands of the local market.
Regarding the water and food sectors, opportunities will be presented for the establishment of a dates processing factory and a research station for apiculture within the Wilayat of Rustaq.
He highlighted the accomplishments of the recent period, including contracts signed with various investors to realize numerous projects in food security within the South Al Batinah Governorate. This includes, but is not limited to, the development of significant mango orchards in Barka with an area exceeding 360 acres, the creation of a factory for the packaging and packaging of dates, the establishment of a bee museum in Barka, and the initiation of projects for the production of soil enhancers through waste utilization and the cultivation of seedlings and offshoots in Barka.
