Duqm – Investments in food security projects in Al Wusta governorate have risen to about RO857mn, following the signing of RO202mn worth of new agreements this year, further strengthening the region’s role in supporting Oman’s food production and economic diversification.

According to the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, existing investments in the governorate’s food security sector exceed RO655mn, spanning fisheries, livestock and agriculture. The latest agreements cover shrimp and sea cucumber farming, as well as onion and fodder production.

Abdul Latif bin Mohammed Al Balushi, Director General of the Directorate General of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources in Al Wusta, said the governorate has become one of Oman’s key food security hubs, supported by its strategic location, natural resources and investment-friendly environment.

He said Al Wusta’s more than 700km coastline along the Arabian Sea, proximity to the Port of Duqm and the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), together with suitable aquaculture sites and modern infrastructure, have helped attract investment across the food sector.

The governorate led Oman in artisanal fisheries production in 2025, recording 246,183 tonnes, equivalent to 34% of the sultanate’s total fish production, reinforcing its contribution to domestic food supplies and seafood exports.

Al Balushi said the ministry is developing an integrated value chain linking primary production with food processing and logistics to increase the value of national products.

Al Wusta currently has 55 fisheries-related industrial and investment facilities with investments of around RO79mn. These include fish processing, canning, packaging, fish meal and fish oil plants, as well as ice factories that have expanded production capacity and supported access to export markets.

He highlighted the Fish and Food Industries City in SEZAD as one of Oman’s flagship food security projects. Built on 7.5sq km next to Duqm Fishing Port, the complex includes facilities for processing, freezing, canning, packaging and storing seafood, alongside fish oil, feed and other value-added industries.

The ministry is also expanding supporting infrastructure, including the Al Lakbi Fishing Port in Al Jazir, a fish market and ice factory, a residential complex for fishermen, veterinary medicine warehouses and cold storage facilities in Duqm. A new fishing port in Mahout has also been approved at a cost of RO37mn.

In the livestock sector, construction is under way on the RO61mn Osool poultry project in Haima, which is expected to produce 175 million fertilised eggs annually, helping reduce reliance on imports.

Looking ahead, the ministry plans to offer 21 investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock and water resources during 2026, targeting RO30mn in investments as it seeks to expand private sector participation and strengthen Oman’s long-term food security.