MUSCAT: Oman celebrated World Food Day with a focus on the theme “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future,” organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Oman Food Bank. The event was held under the auspices of Salim bin Ali al Hakmani, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority.
Engineer Khalisa bint Talib al Hadhrami, Director General of Planning at the Ministry, highlighted Oman’s comprehensive development policies aimed at ensuring food security for all. She emphasized the country’s commitment to enhancing agricultural, fisheries, and water resource sectors through modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital agriculture, and scientific research to boost productivity and self-sufficiency.
The National Center for Statistics and Information reported that Oman’s agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors grew by 6.6% in the first half of 2024. The gross domestic product (GDP) from these activities reached RO 451.2 million, up from RO 423.4 million in the same period last year. The sector’s contribution to GDP also increased to 2.4%, compared to 2.3% in 2023.
Oman has also made significant progress in global food security. According to the Global Food Security Index for 2022, Oman ranked 35th worldwide and third in the Arab world.
Ibrahim bin Abdullah al Hosni, Chairman of Oman Food Bank, shared the organization’s achievements, including saving over 100,000 meals and distributing 250 tonnes of vegetables and fruits. The Food Bank has also provided over 10,000 food baskets, benefiting more than 6,000 families through various partnerships.
Dr Thaer Yassin, FAO Acting Director-General in Oman, stressed the importance of addressing hunger and ensuring nutrition as critical to sustaining peace. He also emphasized the role of technology and innovation, such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology, in transforming agricultural systems and improving food security.
The event featured the announcement of winners of a chefs’ competition and a drawing contest organized by FAO to raise awareness of food security issues among children. — ONA
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