September 28, 2016 Muscat -

Oman is considering various steps to increase agriculture and fisheries production as part of its long-term goal to reduce reliance on food imports. The Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries is to present a road map in this regard at a meeting of the Supreme Council for Planning next week.

Speaking on the second day of 'Invest in Oman' forum, H E Dr Fuad al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries, said the total value of Oman's agriculture and fisheries production rose to around RO560mn in 2015, and the ministry aims to increase this further over the coming years.

Stressing on the need for more investment to boost food production, H E Sajwani said there are many opportunities available for the private sector to invest in food production in Oman. He noted that the sultanate has all the necessary ingredients to increase production; with three distinct climate zones and good livestock population.

Responding to a query, the minister said that due to the government's sustained efforts to increase food production, the total area under cultivation rose by around 20 per cent last year. His ministry has also initiated a programme under which around 50 agricultural plots were distributed to youths on a pilot basis to raise production using new scientific methodologies. If found successful, it would be replicated in other parts of the country.

“Overall, the government will look to distribute around 2,500 plots to youths, of which around 500 would be in the Batinah region, where there are some complaints about water-related problems,” H E Sajwani said.

The sultanate has also adopted strategies and goals, under which it seeks to ensure optimum use of agricultural and maritime resources by developing value chains, enhancing food security, creating jobs, and improving the competitiveness of Omani products in international and domestic markets.

“We have already completed work on two strategies. One is for the agriculture sector in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). The second concerns the fisheries sector, which has been formulated with the support of the World Bank,” H E Sajwani told Muscat Daily on the forum sidelines.

He added that both strategies will be discussed by the Supreme Council for Planning next week.

“The strategies are aimed at developing these two sectors for achieving goals set up by authorities for 2040. In the proposed meeting, mobilisation of resources, exploring potential and comparative advantages would be discussed and finalised.”

The two-day 'Invest in Oman' forum was organised by the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) and the General Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for Arab Countries.

The second day of the forum also saw panel discussions on investment opportunities and projects in the services sector and possibilities in the mining sector.

© Muscat Daily 2016