The Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources is working to strengthen food security in cooperation with various partners.

During the implementation of the tenth five year plan (2021–2025), 494 investment projects were completed, with total investments estimated at OMR 1.9 billion.

Dr Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary or Agriculture at the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, said that 399 projects with an investment value  of OMR 806 million were completed in the agricultural sector, covering both plant and animal production.They contributed to agricultural expansion by around 50,000 square kilometres. A number of these projects have already entered production, supporting the national economy and increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP.

The Undersecretary added that during 2026, the first year of the eleventh five year plan, the Ministry aims to implement 400 investment projects with a total value estimated at OMR 400 million across various food security sectors. This includes 200 projects in the plant and animal agricultural sector, with investments of nearly OMR 200 million.

Dr Al Bakri said that data to the end of 2025 shows rising levels of self sufficiency. Fish self sufficiency reached 146 per cent, with exports to around 60 countries, while date self sufficiency reached 99 per cent, with exports to 20 countries.

Vegetable self sufficiency reached 77 per cent, with high quality local products available, and some exported to GCC markets as well as Europe and Japan. The plan aims to expand the production of fruit crops such as mango, grapes, coconut and figs, while also increasing self sufficiency levels in key crops such as onions, garlic and potatoes over the next five years.

Self sufficiency in table eggs has passed 95 per cent, with annual production estimated at around 970 million eggs through five commercial companies. Efforts are underway to increase self sufficiency in white meat from its current level of about 62% to more than 74% by the end of this year, with the A’Safa Poultry Company reaching an annual production capacity of approximately 60,000 tonnes.

Dr Al Bakri added that additional projects resulting from partnership between the Oman Investment Authority and JBS, such as Al Nama Poultry Company, are expected to contribute production of up to 60,000 tonnes annually. This should raise self sufficiency in white meat to more than 90%.

For red meat, the self sufficiency currently stands at around 45%. Efforts are being made to enhance this through various projects, including the agreement signed with JBS for Al Bashayer Meat Company. At the same time the production system is being developed through improving local breeds, strengthening supply chains, adding value through processing and expanding re-exports.