Oman Maintains Stable Food Supplies Amid Global Challenges

Minister Reports Stability in Food Commodities

Oman has managed to sustain stable food supplies and market conditions despite ongoing regional and global challenges, according to H E Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. Speaking at the Majlis A’Shura on Sunday, the minister emphasized that most food commodities have not seen price increases during the current crisis. He pointed out that in previous crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the government intervened by absorbing additional costs and fixing prices for essential items like wheat and rice to shield consumers from inflation.

Oman’s annual wheat requirement is estimated at between 350,000 and 370,000 tonnes, with actual imports exceeding 900,000 tonnes. The country currently has a wheat storage capacity of 160,000 tonnes at each of Oman Flour Mills’ facilities located in Muttrah, Suhar, and Salalah. Plans are underway to expand storage capacity at these mills, aiming to increase total national capacity to approximately 650,000 tonnes within the next two years.

Strategic Partnerships and Domestic Support Initiatives

Following the disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the Oman Investment Authority has entered into strategic partnerships to secure wheat supplies. The Ministry of Agriculture has also encouraged the authority to seek overseas partnerships with companies involved in wheat production. To bolster domestic production, the government has allocated RO5 million for wheat cultivation and procurement, with RO1 million disbursed annually through Oman Flour Mills to subsidize purchases from local farmers.

Local wheat production has reached nearly 11,000 tonnes, primarily sourced from the Najd region. The overall food self-sufficiency rate in Oman currently stands at 67.3%. Notably, the country has achieved impressive self-sufficiency rates in several food categories, including fish at 146%, dates at 99%, and milk at 96%. However, self-sufficiency in fruits (excluding dates) remains lower at 24%.

Growth in Agricultural and Water Resource Sectors

Oman’s agricultural and fisheries production has seen significant growth, rising from 4.3 million tonnes in 2020 to a projected 5.6 million tonnes by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of 6.9%. The contribution of these sectors to the national GDP is expected to increase to RO1.132 billion, up from RO776 million in 2020. The country is home to over 9.1 million date palms and approximately 4 million livestock, with the fisheries sector employing more than 60,000 Omani fishermen.

In terms of water resources, the minister highlighted that Oman has completed 85 groundwater recharge dams with a total capacity exceeding 110.3 million cubic meters. Additionally, 116 surface storage dams and seven protection dams have a combined capacity of more than 248 million cubic meters. The national water monitoring network includes 3,483 stations, with 672 being remotely operated, and there are also 14 cloud seeding stations in operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What measures has Oman taken to ensure food security?

Oman has absorbed costs during crises, fixed prices for key items, and entered strategic partnerships to secure supplies.

What is Oman’s current wheat storage capacity?

Oman’s current wheat storage capacity is 160,000 tonnes at each of Oman Flour Mills’ facilities.

How has the agricultural sector performed in Oman?

Agricultural and fisheries production is projected to grow from 4.3 million tonnes in 2020 to 5.6 million tonnes by 2025.

What is Oman’s food self-sufficiency rate?

Oman’s overall food self-sufficiency rate currently stands at 67.3%.

How many groundwater recharge dams has Oman completed?

Oman has completed 85 groundwater recharge dams with a total capacity exceeding 110.3 million cubic meters.