Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is studying models to manage and operate agricultural cities and nurseries through the private sector, as part of efforts to create a more flexible and attractive investment environment.

According to the ministry, the initiative supports national efforts to enhance investment efficiency and strengthen private sector participation in achieving food security, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, Abdulaziz bin Mohammed al Shukaili, Director of Investment at the ministry, said investment remains a key pillar of the Food Security Lab 2025, which seeks to attract quality investments and maximise the economic and social returns of agricultural, fisheries and water projects.

“The Food Security Lab focuses on reviewing the strategic investment programme approved within the Tenth Five-Year Plan,” Shukaili said. “We are assessing what has been achieved so far and exploring ways to develop it further in line with the priorities of the next phase.”

He said discussions have addressed challenges in agricultural areas and explored the creation of new investment zones. “We want to make agriculture more responsive to market needs and more appealing to investors, while ensuring sustainability and long-term growth,” he added.

On food imports and exports, Shukaili noted that the lab’s sessions support efforts to localise the ‘second billion’ of Oman’s food bill, estimated at nearly RO3bn annually. “We have already localised the first billion, and we are now working within the Eleventh Five-Year Plan to achieve the second,” he said.

Regarding the animal sector, he said the focus is on table eggs, dairy, fertilised eggs and red meat, with a roadmap being developed to strengthen the sector’s contribution to national food security.

On the water sector, Shukaili said discussions are underway to identify investment opportunities in wadis, salt dams, desalinated water and sediment utilisation, alongside financing desalination units affected by salinity and developing a comprehensive water security system.

He added that the ministry is also preparing a 2026–2030 investment plan for the fisheries sector. “We are evaluating previous projects to identify challenges and design comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability,” he said. The new plan will prioritise infrastructure development, simplified regulations and stronger public-private partnerships.

Shukaili reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to developing aquaculture and fish processing industries, enhancing value chains, and strengthening food security in line with Oman Vision 2040.

Source - https://www.muscatdaily.com