UN's FAO praises Oman's efforts to battle Covid-19

Muscat: The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), a part of the United Nations (UN), has praised the Sultanate's innovative response to COVID-19 and efforts to support fisheries livelihoods throughout the country by creating the Behar platform.

"Building on the Behar Platform, FAO is planning to further support Oman in the digitalisation of its fisheries value chain and also develop a cooperation programme to support other countries from the region and beyond to benefit from Oman’s successful experience," a statement said.

The Sultanate of Oman is one of the largest fish producers in the Gulf region with a total capture production of 580 000 tonnes in 2019, and its domestic consumption is well over the worldwide average. Omanis are significant consumers of seafood products, and fisheries provide livelihoods for many in the country’s coastal communities.

Behar is an integrated online platform for fish auctioning. Launched by Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, in cooperation with the Oman Technology Fund, Behar is currently being piloted in the country’s second largest fish market.