More land for youths to start farm projects
REWARDING: GDP contribution from agriculture and fisheries is expected to be much above the current level, says Minister
The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries plans to allocate more land for Omani youths to start integrated farm projects.
“We have already taken a number of steps to attract the youths to agriculture sector. Plans are also afoot to allocate more cultivable land to them” said Dr Fuad bin Jaafar al Sajwani, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Speaking to Observer on the sidelines of the ongoing Agro Food 2018 exhibition, Dr Fuad said that the plans stem from the ministry’s efforts to help young Omanis start new projects with potential to create job opportunities.
While land comprising 10 acres each for 40 projects have already been earmarked at Al Aela in the Wilayat of Al Kamil Wal Wafi in South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, another 12 projects have been announced at Wadi Heibbi in Suhar.
“Indicators are so positive that the returns on investments in agriculture and fisheries are very rewarding”, he said.
According to him, all the plans and programmes are designed to be compatible with the country’s sustainable agricultural development strategy.
While confirming that food production in the country has been on the rise, he said that there are many government companies including Oman Food Investment Holding that has about 14 projects. “Products from these projects are expected to meet the requirements of the market”, he said.
The real GDP contribution from the two sectors have showed steady improvement during the last seven years, he said, adding, “the figures for 2017, to be announced soon, will be promising at par with the ministry’s plans and programmes”.
The GDP will definitely be above the current level, the minister asserted.
According to projections, the sector is expected to contribute 3.1 per cent to the GDP by 2020 with an annual growth of not less than 4.5 per cent, while fishing sector aims to expand its contribution to GDP to about 2 per cent by 2020 with a targeted annual growth of 5.6 per cent.
The ministry is also striving to attract national and foreign investments in aquaculture so that its contribution to the GDP can be increased.
Throughout all the Fiveyear Plans, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has developed and implemented several policies, mechanisms, and programmes aimed at providing a suitable productive environment for Omani farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen.
In line with the future vision 2040 strategy of the Sultanate and the ongoing efforts for the development of the fisheries sector, the ministry has signed a contract with the World Bank to complete the Ministry’s plan for the development of this sector.