IBRI: Investment in food security projects within the animal sector in Al Dhahirah Governorate has exceeded RO 35 million, spanning a total area of 5,000 acres. These projects are a major step toward enhancing food security and promoting sustainable development in the governorate.
Eng Salem bin Ali al Omrani, Director General of Agricultural Wealth and Water Resources in Al Dhahirah, highlighted that seven key projects are underway to strengthen the governorate’s food security. Among them, the Gulf International Poultry Farms Project, led by the Arab Food Production Company in partnership with the Gulf Japan Food Fund, IFFCO Group, and Japan’s Ise Foods Company, is a significant investment. With an investment of RO 27 million, the farm, located in Ibri, will produce 360 million eggs annually to meet the demand in Oman and the GCC. Covering an area of 4,285 acres, the project includes five breeding sheds, 15 production sheds, a water treatment facility, a fertiliser processing plant, veterinary services, and a fuel station for company vehicles. It is expected to create 148 jobs, including 80 for Omanis.
Another major initiative is a laying hen farm by Sabil Agricultural Consulting Company, a locally-driven investment. In its first phase, the project will establish one breeding shed and three production sheds, aiming to produce 46 million table eggs annually. With an investment of RO 1.5 million, it will contribute 6.5% of Oman's total egg production. The second phase will introduce additional breeding facilities, a feed factory, a water treatment plant, a biogas facility, and a slaughterhouse for birds.
In the livestock sector, Al Inam Business Company is developing a goat farming project in the Wilayat of Dhank to boost red meat production. The farm is designed to produce 10,000 goats annually in its initial phase, with plans to expand capacity to half a million goats per year. The project, which covers 95 acres, has an initial investment of RO 417,000, with pilot operations set to begin in 2025.
Al-Omrani also announced that 30 additional investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and water resource management will be introduced this year in Al Dhahirah. These projects align with Oman Vision 2040, aiming to strengthen food security, enhance local production, and reduce dependency on imports. — ONA
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