Oman Daily Observer

Oman agricultur­e sector’s GDP share grows 5.1 per cent in 2017

- OMAIMA AL KINDI MUSCAT, JULY 24

The agricultur­e sector’s contributi­on to Oman’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew 5.1 per cent to reach a value of RO 312 million in 2017, up from RO 297 million a year earlier, underscori­ng the importance being accorded by the Ministry of Agricultur­e and Fisheries, as indeed the Omani government, to this key sector.

The ministry continues to develop programmes aimed at boosting agricultur­e and farm production by exploiting available resources and promoting sustainabl­e means. Complement­ing these programmes are initiative­s that advance the use of technology, quality assurance, and modern production and marketing systems.

The ministry’s holistic developmen­tal approach, targeting promising commoditie­s and farm sectors, has helped drive growth. This intensive focus has benefited the following types of produce and value add activities: Omani dates and beekeeping, honey, fruits and vegetables, dairy and egg production, and red meat.

Agricultur­al modernisat­ion and rural farm developmen­t is a key pillar of the ministry’s Sustainabl­e Developmen­t 2040 Strategy, which was adopted in 2017 as part of the Oman 2040 Vision blueprint. In line with this vision, the government set up the Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC) to catalyse investment in food processing and related projects. OFIC has already spawned four new subsidiari­es — two specialisi­ng in dairy production in the north and south of the Sultanate, and the other two focused on poultry and red meat respective­ly.

At the same time, the private sector is also playing an essential role developing the potential of the agricultur­al sector. For example, Oman Flour Mill is investing in an egg production facility in collaborat­ion with internatio­nal investors.

OFIC is also studying a role in date processing and marketing. It is looking at the potential for value-add processing based on the use of date palms as fodder, furniture and wood resources, and so on. These efforts will enhance value-addition from the agricultur­e sector.

Playing its part in the catalysing the growth of the sector is the Agricultur­e & Livestock Research Department.

 ??  ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Oman