Oman’s US$93.5M feed investment to support aquaculture expansion

OMAN – Oman has taken a significant step toward strengthening its food security ambitions with the launch of a major livestock and aquaculture feed facility, underscoring the country’s push to localise production and reduce reliance on imports.

The Sultanate, in mid December 2025, inaugurated its largest animal and aquatic feed factory, a RO 36 million (US$93.5 million) facility located in the Khazaen Economic Zone. 

Developed by Oman Bio-Products, a subsidiary of Oman Flour Mills, the plant was officially opened by Dr Saud bin Hamoud al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

Designed to support both livestock and aquaculture value chains, the factory uses recycled green agricultural waste to produce sustainable feed products. 

In its first phase, it will manufacture 48,000 tonnes of animal feed and 15,000 tonnes of aquatic feed annually, positioning it as a key domestic supplier for farmers and fish producers.

Haitham bin Shakhbout al Saadi, Chairman of Oman Bio-Products, said the project goes beyond industrial output. 

“This is more than a production facility; it’s a national initiative that aligns with Oman’s food security goals and circular economy vision. It’s one of the first in the region to recycle agricultural by-products and date residues into high-value feed products.”

According to the company, the plant sources green waste from local landfills, including Barka, and processes it using advanced treatment technologies to meet quality and safety standards. 

Abdullah bin Said al Muzaini, Operations Manager at the facility, said the approach helps convert waste into a reliable feedstock while supporting environmental objectives.

More than 90% of the workforce is Omani, with employees trained to operate and manage the facility. The project is planned to expand in three phases through to 2030, to boost domestic feed capacity and market stability further.

Shrimp farming project advances in Shinas

Alongside feed production, Oman is accelerating investment in aquaculture. Work is progressing on a large-scale shrimp farming complex in Shinas, part of the country’s long-term strategy to diversify food production and grow the blue economy.

The development is being led by Singapore-based Blue Aqua International, with support from Omani investors.

It is expected to become one of the most technically advanced shrimp production sites in the Sultanate.

The integrated facility will include a shrimp farm, hatchery and broodstock centre, with a target annual output of 1,800 metric tonnes.

Blue Aqua Group Executive Chairman and Founder Dr Farshad Shishehchian said the complex is on track to be fully operational by February 2026. 

“The design focuses on controlled operations, efficient water use and strict environmental safeguards,” he said, adding that the aim is to deliver stable harvests while meeting high sustainability and biosecurity standards.

The Shinas project forms part of a broader 22-hectare aquaculture initiative announced in 2023 in partnership with Bahwan Services and Trading LLC and Muscat Investment House. 

The broader plan includes the production of white shrimp, rainbow trout, and aquafeed to create a more integrated aquaculture value chain in Oman.

Beyond output, the shrimp farm is expected to generate employment across hatchery operations, grow-out activities, processing and logistics, supporting economic growth in Al Batinah North Governorate. 

It also aligns with Blue Aqua International’s regional expansion, which includes a planned 5,000-metric-tonne land-based trout farm scheduled for completion in 2027, using water-efficient recirculating aquaculture system technology.

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