The contribution of locally produced plants, cattle wealth and fish products reached about 59 per cent to the total value of food available for consumption against 36 per cent in 2011, said Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, during the Sultanate’s participation in the 42nd session of the General Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) on Wednesday.
He added that the Sultanate has worked largely on developing agricultural and food systems over the past years, improving production methods and food production chains, which had a significant impact on improving the standard of living of people.
“The Sultanate adopted a comprehensive and integrated approach to food security that includes a set of objectives that seek, in total, to improve the food security system in the Sultanate,” he stated.
He explained the ministry harmonised the sustainable agriculture and rural development strategy 2040, fisheries sector development strategy 2040, and its investment plans, which aim to increase food production, create job opportunities for citizens, support rural communities, enhance food and water security system, and contribute to maximising the economic return.
“Food situation around the world necessitates that countries seek to find greater cooperation in various fields related to food production and to improve the methods associated with this production, starting from cultivation and harvesting to eating. Besides, there is a need to reduce the loss and waste of food,” he noted.
The ministry supports the organisation’s strategic framework for the period 2011-2031 on supporting the transition to more efficient, comprehensive agricultural and food systems, more resilient and sustainable in order to achieve a better living environment for all.
NEW VEGETABLE MARKET
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources held a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the plan for setting up a new Central Market for Vegetables and Fruits in the Khazaen Economic City.
The meeting reviewed the general layout of the market and its operational plans.
The project worth RO 43.8 million, will occupy an area of 800 thousand square metre as the construction process will commence in 2022.
The meeting was headed by Dr Saud al Habsi in the presence of senior officials at the ministry and other involved parties in the project.
—(with inputs from ONA)
Sultanate has worked largely on developing agricultural and food systems over the past years, improving production methods and food production chains, which had a significant impact on improving the standard of living
of people
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