Pacts signed to support food security projects worth RO 20 million

BUSINESS REPORTER

MUSCAT, FEB 27

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning signed on Sunday a total of 11 agreements for implementation of food security related projects and initiatives valued at around RO 20 million.

Five of the agreements relate to initiatives incubated by under the framework of the Food Security Lab, while the other 6 are land usufruct agreements to set up agricultural projects. These projects will support the agricultural needs of the Sultanate of Oman in a scientific, modern and innovative manner, while complying with food safety and security guidelines.

The agreements cover the production of white and red meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, hydroponic products and moringa oil, among other products. Those projects will be set up in the Governorates of North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, North A’Sharqiyah, South A’Sharqiyah, A’Dhahirah and Musandam.

The agreements were signed by Dr Khalfan Said al Shuaili, Minister of Housing and Urban Planning and representatives of the companies implementing the projects, in the presence of Dr Saud Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

Al Habsi said that those projects cover the fields of agriculture and livestock. He affirmed that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources is pressing ahead in setting up new projects in the field of food security.

Al Habsi added that the projects are considered as the fourth package of projects signed by the ministry to achieve food security in Oman.

As part of its support for food security initiatives, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is allocated additional land for the cultivation of basic crops, including wheat, in areas of the Nejd desert in Dhofar Governorate.

One of the agreements, signed with Oman Food Investment Holding Company – a subsidiary of Oman Investment Authority (OIA) – entails the establishment of an incubator for entrepreneurs in Khasab Wilayat (Musandam Governorate). Covering an area of 105 acres, the incubator will support various agricultural and livestock projects at a cost of RO 350K.

Local Omani food start-up Tamkeen Investment has been granted 20 acres of land in South Al Batinah Governorate to support the production of 3,000 tons of eight different types of vegetables. Also as part of the project, a 2,000-square-metre canning and packaging centre is being established at a cost of over RO 4 million. (With inputs from ONA)