Pivotal steps adopted by the Omani government in the wake of an upsurge in global prices of food commodities more than a year ago, have helped ensure the affordability and accessibility of basic foodstuffs for all segments of the population, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
One of the key measures taken by authorities is the establishment of committees and teams to monitor the impact of the global food crisis, sparked by the Ukraine War, on local food supply and pricing. These committees are made up of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and other relevant government agencies. They are tasked with monitoring the supply and demand of basic food commodities, as well as prices.
Furthermore, these committees have continued to coordinate with food companies and factories to ensure that they do not export basic food commodities. They also monitor prices to prevent them from rising, an official source told the Observer.
“The government is also taking steps to promote food availability locally. It has enhanced the stocks of rice and wheat to cover the needs of the Sultanate of Oman for several months,” the official said.
“It has also exempted value added VAT for feed industry inputs, such as corn, barley, soybeans, and bran. This will help to reduce the cost of production for livestock farmers, which will hopefully lead to lower prices for meat and dairy products,” the official stated.
In addition, the government is providing social protection to the most vulnerable segments of the population. This includes providing school feeding for social security and limited income students. These measures are aimed at ensuring that everyone in Oman has access to affordable and nutritious food, the official noted.
At the same time, the Ministry is engaging with local communities, farmers, and relevant stakeholders to address food security concerns and ensure their active participation in the decision-making process.
One way that the government is doing this is through the Sustainable Agriculture and Rural Development Strategy. This strategy emphasizes the need to professionalize the agricultural sector and improve the income and livelihood of farmers in Oman. The strategy also calls for the development of organizations for collective action in the agricultural sector, such as civil society associations and professional associations.
The government is also working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to strengthen the capabilities of the Omani Farmers Association. The FAO is providing technical assistance to the association to help it become a more effective service provider and advocate for the interests of farmers.
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