Oman sees growth in farms, fisheries and water capacity: MAFWR

Muscat: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources ( MAFWR) on Thursday outlined key achievements recorded in 2025 and its strategic direction for the current year, underscoring steady progress in strengthening food security and resource sustainability in the Sultanate of Oman.

Speaking at a media briefing, the Minister said Oman’s environmental and climatic diversity continues to support sector growth, with an estimated 5.5 million feddans of agricultural land or land suitable for cultivation, representing 7.5 per cent of the country’s total area. Total agricultural holdings stand at 355,000 feddans, while cultivated land reached approximately 312,000 feddans by the end of 2024.

The Minister noted that the Sultanate possesses strong plant production capabilities, supported by 26 research centres, stations and nurseries, in addition to 21 agricultural quarantine facilities and six specialised honeybee units.

In the livestock sector, natural grazing areas across northern and southern Oman are estimated at 3.2 million feddans, with total livestock exceeding 4 million head, reflecting the sector’s role in supporting rural livelihoods and domestic food supply.

Fisheries resources were also highlighted as a key national asset, with Oman’s waters  in diverse fish stocks and marine life.

The sector is supported by 24 fishing ports and numerous landing sites along the coastline, enhancing supply chains and market access.

The ministry added that fish marketing infrastructure includes 62 existing fish markets and 1,220 retail outlets, alongside 119 operational fish processing plants, contributing to value addition and sector development.

On water resources, the minister said Oman has 89 bottled water factories with a combined production capacity of 8,335.5 cubic metres per day.

The country also operates 92 major desalination plants producing 455.36 million cubic metres, and 67 main wastewater treatment plants with a total output of 119.5 million cubic metres.

Food safety systems continue to be strengthened, with 35 laboratories dedicated to food quality and safety — including 12 municipal labs across governorates and 23 privately operated facilities.

The ministry affirmed that these indicators reflect ongoing efforts to enhance productivity, improve infrastructure and support economic diversification goals in line with Oman’s long-term development vision.