Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD)  has announced the formation of Oman Livestock Society, a new national body aimed at supporting and empowering livestock breeders across the sultanate.

Established under Ministerial Decision No 164/2025 issued by H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed bin Awad al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, the society will address the sector’s challenges through collaboration with public and private stakeholders, civil society groups, and strategic initiatives to modernise breeding practices.

According to MoSD, the society will work closely with authorities to resolve problems faced by breeders, and offer expert consultation on livestock and pasture management. It will also provide officially supervised data on livestock populations, pasture conditions and fodder availability to improve efficiency in use of resources.

The society aims to help breeders adopt modern methods, expand veterinary coverage and raise awareness on the nutritional value of concentrated feed. It will facilitate links between breeders, suppliers and consumers, introducing pricing mechanisms that ensure fair value across the chain.

Marketing is a key objective of the society. It will coordinate with private and public entities to access marketing services, promote local livestock products nationally and internationally, and explore new markets. It will also support breeders in concluding commercial agreements related to product sales.

The society will take part in regulating grazing, identifying issues related to degradation of pastures and proposing restoration measures.

It will be managed by a 12-member board of directors serving two-year terms, with the possibility of re-election.

Announcement of its formation was welcomed by breeders, who view the initiative as a long-awaited response to persistent concerns.

“This society gives us hope,” said Salim al Nabhani, a breeder in Dhahirah. “We’ve struggled with inconsistent feed prices, limited veterinary services and poor market access. A formal body to represent us is a major step.”

Hamad al Riyami, a goat breeder based in Al Wusta, said, “We needed a structured platform to share knowledge and get support. Restoring pastureland is especially important as climate conditions worsen.”

Mohammed al Harthy, a young farmer in Dakhliyah, added, “Formation of the society shows the government is serious about modernising agriculture. If the society can help us improve breeding and open markets, it’ll be a game-changer.”

Oman’s livestock population reached 3.9mn in 2023, of which 2.9mn were treated. The country’s veterinary network includes 69 permanent government clinics, 41 mobile clinics and a hospital in Salalah, in addition to 445 private establishments.