Rustaq – South Batinah attracted more than RO51mn in agricultural, livestock, fisheries and water projects in 2025, as the governorate expands local food production and develops new investment opportunities.

Twenty-four agricultural projects accounted for around RO24.8mn, while five livestock ventures attracted more than RO18mn, according to the Directorate General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. A fisheries project was valued at RO6.8mn and a water resources project at nearly RO1.7mn.

Ali bin Hamad Al Ghafeeli, Assistant Director General of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources in South Batinah, said investments were increasingly spanning crop production, aquaculture, livestock and food processing.

Among the largest projects is a banana farm being developed by Oman Agriculture Development Company in Mussanah over around 154 hectares, with investment exceeding RO4mn. The initial phase covers about eight hectares, where 35,000 William and G9 banana seedlings have been planted.

Three mango projects covering more than 166 hectares are also under way, with investments approaching RO3mn and around 35,000 seedlings planted.

In Barka, Nabatat Al Watan is investing RO6.758mn in an integrated project combining barramundi farming with organic crop cultivation over nearly seven hectares.

The governorate currently has 11 fish farms, while its artisanal fisheries sector includes 3,349 fishermen and 1,622 boats. It is supported by six fishing ports, two fish markets and 77 marketing outlets.

Crop development has also focused on Omani wheat. A programme implemented during the 2024-25 season across Barka, Rustaq and Mussanah produced around 14.7 tonnes, with Rustaq accounting for the bulk of output.

South Batinah’s downstream food sector now comprises 110 manufacturing and storage facilities, including bakeries, water plants, dates and sweets factories, coffee and spice units, food factories and warehouses.

Al Ghafeeli said 28 new investment opportunities in crop production, covering around 97 hectares, had been offered through the Tatweer platform by 2026. Five livestock opportunities covering about 23 hectares were also made available.

Projects using treated water are meanwhile being developed with Nama, including mango cultivation, watermelon and melon production and aromatic trees, as authorities seek to reduce pressure on groundwater while expanding agricultural output.

 Bman has long taken pride in the achievements of its youth—academically, professionally, and increasingly, athletically. Across schools and clubs, young Omanis demonstrate remarkable sporting talent, discipline, and ambition. Yet, at a critical stage in their development, many of these promising athletes are forced to make a difficult and often decisive choice: pursue higher education or continue their journey in competitive sport.

In most cases, education understandably prevails. But the consequence is a quiet and consistent loss of athletic talent at precisely the age when performance potential is at its peak.