The ceremony, organised at Sohar University in Al Batinah North Governorate, was held under the auspices of Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
Eng Nasser bin Ali al Marshoudi, Director-General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Batinah North Governorate, affirmed in the ministry's speech on this occasion that the agricultural, livestock, fisheries, and water resources sectors represent a primary pillar in the Sultanate of Oman's economic diversification framework.
They contribute to boosting the non-oil Gross Domestic Product and consolidating the food and water security system, noting that the Gross Domestic Product of these sectors reached approximately RO 623.5 million during the first half of 2026, achieving a growth of 3.3 percent compared to the same period last year, and with a contribution of 3.2 percent to the total Gross Domestic Product.
He pointed out that holding the celebration in Al Batinah North Governorate reflects its position in agricultural production and its role in supporting the basic infrastructure for the agricultural and food sectors, noting the importance of hosting the event at an academic institution to enhance integration among scientific research, knowledge, practical application, and the requirements of development and sustainable production.
He explained that the Tenth Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) witnessed the implementation of investment projects in food security sectors valued at approximately RO 1.87 billion, driven by the outputs of the food security labs, which contributed to launching investment packages and empowering initiatives supporting sector growth and expanding investment opportunities within it.
He clarified that the efforts exerted contributed to exceeding the targeted investment opportunities offered across various platforms — including 'Tharawat,' 'Tatweer,' and 'Invest Oman' — with an achievement rate of 116 per cent through the end of September 2026.
The total number of offered opportunities reached 463 investment opportunities, exceeding the target of 400 opportunities. These opportunities are distributed across various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman, encompassing plant, livestock, fisheries, and water sectors.
He added that the investment value of achieved projects exceeded RO 680.8 million across 192 investment projects, achieving an execution rate of 101 percent of the target in the approved plan. He emphasised that these indicators reflect the growing investment opportunities in the food security sector and reinforce the orientation toward attracting investments and expanding partnership with the private sector, thereby supporting sustainable economic growth.
In the context of efforts aimed at developing agricultural production and enhancing its sustainability, Al Marshoudi noted that during the 2025-2026 agricultural season, the distribution of 18,119 tissue - culture and vegetative date palm offshoots was approved, alongside 40,541 fruit seedlings within economic model fields for cultivating mango, lemon, fig, papaya, sidr, and other crops.
He pointed out that wheat production exceeded 10,000 tons during the past season, within the framework of efforts aimed at enhancing local production, localising the food security system, reducing reliance on imports, and raising the efficiency of utilising available agricultural resources.
He affirmed the continuation of work to integrate modern technologies and artificial intelligence into agricultural operations, including the use of drones in agricultural pest control, expanding hydroponic and vertical farming systems, and deploying solar energy and modern irrigation technologies, alongside the optimal utilisation of aflaj water, contributing to raising productivity and improving resource use efficiency.
He explained that the ministry is working in coordination with the Oman Net Zero Centre to inventory and track projects that contribute to reducing carbon emissions, supporting national efforts aimed at achieving net zero by 2050, and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices in facing climate and environmental challenges.
Al Marshoudi stressed the importance of investing in scientific research and innovation as two essential elements for developing the agricultural sector and enhancing its sustainability and capability to keep pace with technical and climate variables, affirming the ministry's aspiration to strengthen strategic partnership with academic and research institutions, chief among them Sultan Qaboos University and Sohar University.
He concluded his speech by emphasising the importance of continuing integrative work among government entities, academic institutions, the private sector, and investors, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors, supporting food and water security, and contributing to achieving the targets of sustainable economic development in Oman.
The ceremony included the signing of several agreements to execute agricultural projects in the food security sector, in a step aimed at enhancing agricultural investment and expanding local production. This was accompanied by visual presentations showcasing efforts and initiatives aimed at developing the agricultural sector in Oman, as well as the planting of a number of seedlings, embodying the importance of expanding green spaces, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and instilling a culture of interest in agriculture and natural resource conservation. — ONA
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