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Agriculture

Agriculture Sector in Oman

Oman's agriculture sector, though contributing approximately 2.31% to the nation's GDP in 2023, plays a pivotal role in the country's economic diversification and food security initiatives. The sector has witnessed significant growth, with a 9.8% increase in 2024, underscoring its expanding contribution to the national economy. Aligned with Oman Vision 2040, the agriculture sector is central to achieving sustainable development and enhancing self-sufficiency in food production.

Fodder Crop Production

123 k

(Tons) 41.9% of total yield

2024

Employment

6 %

of Oman's workforce

2022

GDP Contribution

2.3 %

Of Oman’s Total GDP

2023

Totaling

966 m

Riyal Omani (RO)

2023

Agriculture

Unlocking Oman’s rich resources

Opportunities and Projections

Oman's food security sector is set for transformative growth, with over 30 new investment projects valued at OMR 10 million aimed at boosting local production and reducing import reliance. As part of Vision 2040, these initiatives create lucrative opportunities for investors in sustainable and high-impact ventures.

Investment Opportunities

Greenhouse Farming

  • With advancements in agricultural technology, greenhouse farming offers a controlled environment for high-yield crop production, ensuring year-round supply.

Livestock Farming

  • Investments in modern livestock farming techniques can enhance meat and dairy production, meeting both domestic and regional demand.

Food Processing

  • Establishing food processing units can add value to raw agricultural products, extending shelf life and opening avenues for export.

Growth Projections

Market growth -

  • The sector is projected to expand to $2820.53 million by 2027 (2.9% CAGR), driven by agtech adoption and export-oriented production.

Global trends -

  • Rising demand for organic produce and climate-resilient crops positions Oman as a regional hub for sustainable agriculture.
Oman Agriculture Market
Market Size in USD Billion
CAGR 2.9%
USD 0.96
2023
USD 1.1
2027

Unlocking Oman’s rich resources

Strategic Developments and Infrastructure

Food Security Lab 2024

Boosting Local Production

Thirty new investment projects worth over RO 10 million are being launched to strengthen food security, increase self-sufficiency, and reduce dependence on imports.

Strategic Focus

Projects target strategic crops with low self-sufficiency, aquaculture, and water resources, including crops like onions, garlic, and potatoes, as well as fish farming and water management

Digital Transformation

The "Idhkaa" group is digitizing the ministry's services, aiming to digitize all public-facing and internal services by 2025. The upcoming launch of the Tharawat platform will streamline ministry services related to agriculture, fisheries, and water resources

Agricultural Cities

Innovative Farming Hubs

Collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to establish agricultural cities in Saham and the Najd Agricultural Region to promote innovative farming practices and food processing industries. The planned Saham Agricultural City (SAC), spanning 65 square kilometers, will dedicate 70% of its area to agriculture and is designed to produce enough food annually to sustain 25,000 people

Investment and Modernization

Financial Commitment

Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) plans to invest $950 million over the next five years in up to 23 food-related ventures

Technological Advancement

Focus on cutting-edge technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics, and aquaculture to ensure sustainability and efficiency

Seawater Farming and Saline Agriculture

Innovative Technique

Oman is revolutionizing its agricultural industry by deploying innovative technology solutions such as seawater farming, also known as saline agriculture, to increase self-sufficiency

Sustainable Practices

This method uses seawater for irrigation and addresses key issues such as freshwater scarcity, food security, and environmental sustainability by cultivating salt-tolerant plants2. Crops such as quinoa, barley, kale, and spinach, which are naturally resistant to high salinity, thrive in this environment

Notable Projects

The Seawater Greenhouse project replicates the natural water cycle by evaporating saline water and then condensing it into freshwater2. The Grow Dome in Sohar employs advanced soilless farming and solar-powered desalination to convert seawater into freshwater for agriculture

Sustainable Development 2040 Strategy

Diverse Flora

 With over 1,200 plant species thriving in Oman’s diverse terrain, the Sultanate offers unmatched potential for agricultural innovation and rural development

Tatweer Platform

New Projects

Oman’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) has approved 151 new projects to enhance economic growth and sectoral development. In partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR), the MHUP has introduced 89 new investment opportunities centered on agricultural development

Focus Areas

The projects span 9 million square meters of land and include 70 agricultural projects, 10 livestock ventures, 7 water sector initiatives, and 2 fisheries projects. The primary objective is to bolster Oman’s food, water, and livestock security through the adoption of modern and innovative scientific techniques, aligning with the national development strategy for regional advancement

Why Choose Oman for Agriculture Investment?

Strategic Positioning

48-hour logistics reach to 3B consumers across Asia, Africa, and Europe

Supportive
 Policies

Incentives like tax benefits and public investments create a robust investor environment.

Abundant Natural Resources

Oman offers fertile land and water systems for sustainable food production.

Certifications & Regulatory Framework

Compliance with GCC-wide food safety standards for export readiness.

Government Support: Powering Agriculture

Right-to-use land for fish farming projects for 25 years and two years' grace period.

Land leasing at OMR 50 per acre for the first 100 acres and above OMR 5 per acre.

3% Development Bank-backed loans and two-year grace period.

Customs exemption for 71 countries across 15 trade agreements.

Adoption of electricity pricing for projects (average tariff of 20 baisa) for projects with less than 100,000 kilowatts per year.

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