Oman is making strong strides toward food security, driven by strategic investments, technological innovation, and sector-wide reforms. By optimizing its 1.4 million hectares of agricultural land, the Sultanate is boosting productivity and reinforcing both its economic resilience and self-sufficiency.
According to the Oman Investment Authority (OIA), the agriculture, fisheries, and forestry sectors recorded a 9.8% year-on-year growth in GDP contribution in 2023, reaching RO 966.4 million. The momentum continued in the first half of 2024, with the sectors generating RO 529.5 million, highlighting robust and sustained expansion in Oman’s food economy.
At the center of this transformation is Oman Food Capital—a newly consolidated entity born from the merger of Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) and Fisheries Development Oman (FDO). Managing assets worth over RO 1 billion, Oman Food Capital oversees a wide portfolio covering aquaculture, poultry, red meat, dairy, fruits and vegetables, food processing, animal feed, cold chain logistics, agri-tech, and R&D.
Together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, these investments are directly contributing to a sharp rise in self-sufficiency across key food categories, as outlined in data compiled by the Oxford Business Group.
Key Gains in 2024 Food Self-Sufficiency Indicators:
Fish: Increased from 151% in 2023 to 162% in 2024, reinforcing Oman’s strength in marine production and its export potential.
Fresh Milk: Rose from 88% to 97%, signaling major gains in domestic dairy production and supply chain efficiency.
Table Eggs: Jumped from 59% to 92%, thanks to expanded poultry farming and better production techniques.
Fruits: More than doubled from 26% to 57%, reflecting expanded cultivation and improved seasonal yields.
Red Meat: Saw a modest increase from 44% to 46%, indicating incremental progress in livestock farming.
However, a few categories witnessed declines:
Vegetables: Dropped from 77% to 60% due to challenges in production capacity and seasonal variability.
Poultry Meat: Declined slightly from 61% to 55%, reflecting the need for additional investment in this segment.
Despite these fluctuations, Oman’s trajectory remains positive, with strategic investments driving forward the national food security agenda. The fisheries sector in particular is emerging as a cornerstone of economic diversification, with production reaching 748,000 tonnes in 2022, valued at $1.2 billion, and exports rising by 23.7% to $362 million, positioning Oman as a regional and global leader in sustainable aquaculture.
In 2024 alone, Oman launched 89 new investment projects in agriculture and fisheries, spanning over 9 million square meters. These included:
70 agricultural ventures
10 livestock initiatives
7 water-related projects
2 fisheries developments
All projects require a minimum 30% Omani or GCC ownership, in line with the Sultanate’s strategy to boost private sector participation and ensure sustainable development.
Looking ahead, the sector aims to attract $1.2 billion in investment by 2025, creating 8,500 new jobs. Highlights include integrated aquaculture farms, artisanal fishery projects, and other ventures supported by Oman’s strategic location and logistics infrastructure—further cementing its role as an emerging regional food distribution hub.
The Oxford Business Group concluded that Oman’s comprehensive approach—anchored in innovation, infrastructure, and international standards—is transforming its agri-food sector from a domestic necessity into a competitive global player.
Source: Oman Observer
