MUSCAT: The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources inaugurated Oman Food Bank (OFB), a non-profit company, which operates in the field of food supply for eligible beneficiaries through a professional work system that covers all parts of the Sultanate of Oman.
The launch of OFB coincides with World Food Day, which falls on October 16 every year.
The event, which took place at Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, was held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
On the sidelines of the ceremony, OFB signed agreements with several public and private establishments to boost cooperation in the field of recycling food waste.
The value of agricultural and fish production in 2021 amounted to RO 1.112 billion, compared to RO 693 million in 2015, achieving a growth rate of about 8.2 per cent during the period.
Hasna bint Mohammed al Harthyah, Assistant Representative of the Office of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in the Sultanate of Oman, said: "This year's celebration comes at a time when the rate of hunger continues to rise, affecting 828 million people in 2021 - an increase of about 46 million people - compared to 2020, and 150 million in 2019."
Two working sessions were held during the ceremony to discuss a wide spectrum of related topics, including food security, technological developments in the food industry, relevant agricultural and fisheries systems and the effects of climate change on food. -- ONA
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