GCC Business News: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning Oman, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources Oman, has signed 18 agricultural usufruct contracts aimed at boosting investment across key regions of Oman.

The agreements, with a combined investment value exceeding $4.9 million (OMR 1.9 million), cover an estimated 300 acres of land distributed across multiple governorates, including Al Buraimi, North Al Sharqiyah, North and South Al Batinah, Al Wusta, and Dhofar.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including Hamad bin Ali Al Nizwani, Undersecretary for Housing at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, and Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary for Agriculture at the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources, along with other stakeholders from the agricultural sector.

Diverse projects to strengthen food security

The contracts encompass a wide range of agricultural and production activities designed to enhance output and diversify the sector.

These include projects focused on cultivating wild trees and beekeeping, as well as modern vegetable farming using advanced technologies.

In North Al Sharqiyah, several initiatives will target grape production, while other projects include the cultivation of fodder crops, field crops, and fruits such as guava and sapodilla, alongside onion farming.

Notably, a dedicated frankincense production project has been launched in Dhofar, leveraging the region’s long-standing heritage in this sector.

An industrial project to establish a water purification and bottling facility is planned in South Al Batinah, reflecting efforts to integrate agriculture with value-added processing industries.

Integrated approach to sustainable development

Officials said that the agreements highlight strong coordination between government entities and align with national priorities to maximize the utilization of agricultural land through sustainable investments.

The initiative is expected to enhance local production efficiency, strengthen food supply chains, and provide opportunities for agricultural investment across the country.

The move builds on significant momentum in the sector, which saw more than 585 agricultural usufruct contracts signed over the past year.

This trend signals the growing importance of agriculture as a key pillar in Oman’s food security framework and broader economic diversification strategy.

The latest contracts reflect continued investor confidence in Oman’s agricultural sector and its expanding role in supporting the national economy.

The initiative is expected to generate added value from government lands while contributing to long-term sustainability goals by encouraging entrepreneurship and promoting the optimal use of natural resources.