Dependent on imports, Oman takes steps for food security

Muscat: Approximately 60 per cent of Oman’s food needs are met by international markets, according to a new report released by Oman’s Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export (Ithraa).
In a detailed overview of the Sultanate’s food security, Ithraa stated in a recent report, “Oman currently secures approximately 60 per cent of its food needs from international markets. However, the growing demand for food is expected to continue to pressure self-sufficiency rates. Population growth, urbanisation, rise in middle-class status along with a growing number of international tourists, are expected to change consumption patterns.”
“Up to half of Oman’s population is dependent on the agriculture and fisheries industries, with one-third of the economically active population directly employed in agriculture.”
“The GDP contribution of the sector, however, is just 1.9 per cent. It is dwarfed by the industry (21 per cent) and services (53.7 per cent) sectors,” said Ithraa.
The report noted, “Oman’s sustained capacity to finance food imports allows it to maintain a situation of food security for its population. It does, however, render it vulnerable to disruptions in food supply and to price fluctuations in global markets.”
“This was highlighted during the global food price crisis of 2007-08, when world grain prices surged and a number of large agricultural producers, including Russia, Ukraine, India, Pakistan, Egypt and Kazakhstan placed emergency export restrictions on wheat, barley, rice and corn to ensure their domestic food security,” it added.
Experts agree with findings
Naveed Ahmed, General Manager of Muscat Livestock Company, said, “As a country which relies very heavily on imports to meet its food requirements, having a robust food security policy is paramount for Oman.”
“There are a lot of initiatives the government can take to improve this and learn a lot from its neighbours who have invested heavily in food producing countries such as Australia, India, and Somalia,” he added.
Steps are already being taken to ensure Oman’s food security. Recent agreements have focused on harnessing the potential of Oman’s food and logistics sectors.
During a recent MoU signing between Asyad and Oman Food Investment Holding Company (OFIC), Asyad CEO Eng. Abdul Rahman Al Hatmi said, “Oman currently loses 24 per cent of fisheries and 40 per cent of farm output through the supply chain, that can be reduced to 6 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. Indeed, supply chain processes and logistics for farm and food produce are intricate. In this regard, our partnership with OFIC will help meet the increasing demand for food.”
The UN Food and Agriculture Organisation calculated that world food production will have to increase by more than 75 per cent over the next 33 years to ensure food supplies for 9.6 billion people by the year 2050, compared to 7.5 billion today.