52 integrated farm projects for youth
Targeting Omani youth, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has decided to allocate land for setting up integrated farm projects.
“The decision stems from the ministry’s efforts to provide feasible projects that generate job opportunities and involve Omani youth in agricultural and fisheries activities,” said an announcement by the ministry.
While land comprising 10 acres each for 40 projects have already been earmarked at Al Aela in the Wilayat of Al Kamil Wa al Wafi in South Sharqiyah Governorate, another 12 projects have been announced at Wadi Heibbi in Suhar.
According to the announcement, the projects aim at providing investment opportunities for Omani youth and owners of SMEs in the agricultural sector.
“Project owners will be employees as well in the system. Those who intend to become part of the project should be graduates specialised in agriculture and fisheries,” the announcement said.
The projects aim at improving production and linking it to processing and marketing.
These plans and programmes are designed to be compatible with the country’s sustainable agricultural development strategy.
The agriculture and fisheries sector registered a massive 16.3 per cent growth in 2016 against an average 6.4 per cent in the previous five years.