Muscat – The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) plans to offer 400 agricultural investment opportunities worth RO400mn by the end of the first half of 2026, as part of efforts to boost food self-sufficiency and expand private sector participation.

The announcement was made on Sunday by H E Dr Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary for Agriculture, during the signing of agricultural usufruct agreements organised with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning.

H E Al Bakri stated that in the first year of the 11^th Five-Year Plan, MAFWR aims to offer 400 projects valued at about RO400mn, including nearly 200 agriculture and livestock projects worth around RO200mn.

“So far, 219 investment opportunities have been offered through the Tatweer platform, representing about 55% of the overall target,” he said, adding that the remaining projects will be offered before the end of the first half of 2026.

On Sunday, agreements were signed for 18 agricultural projects worth more than RO1.9mn, covering around 300 acres in Buraimi, North Sharqiyah, North Batinah, South Batinah, Al Wusta and Dhofar.

The projects include wild tree cultivation, beekeeping, and fruit and vegetable farming using modern technologies. Several focus on grape farming in North Sharqiyah, while others cover fodder, field crops, guava and onion farming. A frankincense production project in Dhofar and a water purification and bottling plant in South Batinah were also among the agreements.

Officials said the agreements aim to maximise the use of agricultural land through sustainable investment and strengthen domestic supply chains.

During the 10^th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025), 493 investment projects worth about RO1.9bn were implemented across food security sectors. Of these, 399 projects were in agriculture and livestock production, with investments nearing RO806mn. The projects expanded agricultural land by around 50,000 acres, with many already under cultivation.

Self-sufficiency indicators have shown steady gains. Self-sufficiency in fish production has reached 146%, with exports to about 60 countries. Dates have achieved 99% self-sufficiency and are exported to 20 countries.

Vegetable self-sufficiency stands at 77%, with exports reaching GCC markets, Europe and Japan. MAFWR plans to expand production of mangoes, grapes, coconuts and figs, and raise output of onions, garlic and potatoes over the next five years.

In the livestock sector, table egg self-sufficiency exceeds 95%, with annual production of around 970mn eggs from five commercial companies.

White meat self-sufficiency is expected to rise from about 62% to more than 74% by the end of the year following expanded production by Al Safa Poultry Company. Additional projects involving Oman Investment Authority and Brazil-based JBS, including Al Namaa Poultry Company, are projected to produce up to 60,000 tonnes annually, potentially lifting white meat self-sufficiency above 90%.

Red meat self-sufficiency stands at about 45%, with further increases targeted through partnerships, breed improvement and supply chain development.