The Oman Agriculture Development Company has commenced construction of a comprehensive agricultural hub in the Al Najd area of Dhofar governorate. The facility, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) and its Najd Agricultural Development Office, is designed to enhance agricultural logistics and provide direct support to local farmers.
The centre will offer a range of services including farm-level collection, cold storage, sorting, packaging, and processing of agricultural produce. These capabilities aim to improve product quality, reduce post-harvest waste, and expand access to domestic and international markets.
Spanning 4,300 square metres, the facility will have an annual handling capacity of 50,000 tonnes. It will be the first of its kind in Al Najd, a region recognized for its expansive plains and favorable climate for cultivating fruits, vegetables, and fodder.
This project is part of Oman’s broader food security strategy and supports small and medium-scale farmers struggling with storage, transport, and market access. Completion is targeted for the end of Q2 2026.
In parallel, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in partnership with MAFWR, has announced plans to establish three large-scale agricultural cities. With an estimated investment of USD 2.6 billion each, the cities will be located in Saham (North Batinah), Dhahirah, and Al Najd, each spanning approximately 50 square kilometers.
Construction on the Saham and Najd projects began in 2024 following final design approvals. These developments aim to bolster national food production, generate employment, and contribute up to 2% to Oman’s GDP, benefiting over 43,000 people annually.
Source: Muscat Daily
