MUSCAT: In the 6th regular session of the tenth term hosted by Majlis Ash'shura on Thursday, Dr. Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, presented an overview of the performance of Oman's food and water security sector, emphasizing its significant contribution to the GDP. Aligned with the objectives of the tenth five-year development plan (2021-2025), the session underscored the ministry's pivotal role in advancing the nation's agricultural wealth, fisheries sectors, and water resources.
During the session, Dr. Al Habsi reiterated the ministry's commitment to aligning its strategies with the overarching vision outlined in "Oman Vision 2040." Central to this alignment is the strengthening of the food security system across the Sultanate of Oman and the enhancement of performance indicators within key sectors. Achieving these goals involves the strategic implementation of programs and projects tailored to the ministry's targets, all of which are intricately linked to the national priorities outlined in the vision.
Highlighting Oman's remarkable progress in food production, Dr. Al Habsi detailed a substantial increase from 3.9 million to 4.7 million tons between 2019 and 2024, accompanied by a surge in the total value of food production from RO 56 million to RO 1.261 billion during the same period. This growth, with an average rate of 6.4 percent for production and 9.6 percent for value, underscores the nation's strides towards enhancing food security and economic prosperity.
Moreover, the ministry's collaborative efforts with the Follow-up Committee for Vision Implementation and other governmental bodies have led to the establishment of food security laboratories, fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors. Currently, 137 investment projects, totaling approximately RO 1.656 billion, are underway, expected to yield around 852,000 tons of agricultural and fisheries products.
Further emphasizing the commitment to food security, initiatives such as the creation of agricultural cities and integrated agricultural plans aim to address agricultural land issues and related challenges. The ministry's proactive approach also extends to maintaining strategic stockpiles of essential commodities, accessible across the nation, with transportation and storage costs covered by the government to mitigate the impact of global economic crises.
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