Mudhaibi – More than 8,000 acres of land will be allocated for livestock and fodder cultivation projects in North Sharqiyah governorate as part of efforts to expand agricultural investment and strengthen production capacity.

Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Mashikhi, Director General of Agriculture and Water Resources in North Sharqiyah, said the governorate has attracted seven new investment projects valued at RO33mn.

The projects cover livestock production, horse breeding, poultry and egg production, alongside existing investments in goat, cattle and camel breeding and dairy production.

Fourteen investment opportunities have been offered through the Tatweer platform to establish horse-breeding stables across several wilayats. Proposals have also been submitted for Dutch rabbit meat production, ostrich farming and fertilised egg production, with contracts signed for some projects.

Dedicated livestock and fodder investment zones are under preparation. The Sabsub plan in Mudhaibi spans about 4,000 acres with 14 plots, while the Al Nakdat plan in Sinaw covers around 4,357 acres. Two additional sites – Nafs in Sinaw and Al Maghsar in Al Qabil – are under study.

Official data show livestock numbers in the governorate reached approximately 435,000 head in 2025. Veterinary services are delivered through seven government clinics and 43 private clinics and pharmacies.

During 2025, veterinary teams treated 119,845 animals and administered 818,876 vaccine doses, benefiting 6,660 breeders. Disease prevention programmes recorded 24% growth compared with 2024.

A goat and sheep breed improvement programme distributed 23 improved breeding males to farmers. The governorate has 1,622 livestock farms and 46 designated grazing sites to regulate pasture use.

Annual poultry output stands at about 3.67mn birds and 126mn eggs, while milk production is estimated at 255,600 cubic metres. North Sharqiyah hosts 44 poultry projects and 24 slaughterhouses, 21 of which are operational.

Self-sufficiency in poultry meat is estimated at 40%, while table egg self-sufficiency has reached 218%, reflecting a surplus in production.

Al Mashikhi added that awareness programmes for breeders and poultry farmers continue, including participation in World Veterinary Day activities in cooperation with the University of Sharqiyah and agricultural festivals held earlier this year.