The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, has initiated a project aimed at enhancing sustainability and food security through the establishment of Agricultural Cities. These cities will utilize modern agricultural technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and fish farming to bolster local food production.
Saud bin Ali al Farsi, Director of the Agricultural Cities Project, announced that three sites have been identified: Saham in North Batinah, a location in Dhahirah, and the Najd region of Thumrait in Dhofar. The selection of these sites is based on factors such as water availability, climate conditions, and strategic positioning to facilitate economic integration and efficient transportation of agricultural products.
In the initial phase, two locations – Saham and Thumrait – have been selected for detailed planning, with international consultants appointed for the task. These Agricultural Cities are designed to address challenges posed by global conflicts, natural disasters, and climate change, thus strengthening Oman’s food security.
Growth in Agriculture and Fisheries Sector
Oman’s agriculture and fisheries sector witnessed a 6.6% growth in the first half of 2024, contributing 2.4% of the GDP, equivalent to 451.2 million Omani rials (approximately 1.17 billion US dollars). This marks an increase from the 2.3% recorded in the same period in 2023, which was 423.4 million Omani rials (around 1.1 billion US dollars), according to the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
These figures were announced during the World Food Day celebrations, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization and the Oman Food Bank. Themed “The Right to Food for a Better Life and Future”, the event was chaired by Salim bin Ali al Hakmani, Chairman of the Consumer Protection Authority.
Khalisa Talib al Hadhrami, Director General of Planning at the ministry, emphasized that Oman’s development policies are designed to ensure access to essential resources for all its citizens and residents. Oman also improved its ranking in the Global Food Security Index, achieving 35th place globally and third among Arab countries in 2022.
Source: Three Agricultural Cities to Boost Oman’s Food Security
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