Oman rolls out US$224M food security package, backs aquaculture and feed production

OMAN – Oman has unveiled a $224 million (OMR 93.8 million) investment package to strengthen food security, with a strong focus on expanding aquaculture and developing alternative fish feed as part of its economic diversification strategy.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources and supported by Invest Oman, targets agriculture, fisheries and related industries to improve self-sufficiency and value chain integration.

A key component is the establishment of a sustainable alternative fish feed production facility in the Samail Industrial Area, aimed at reducing reliance on imports and supporting the rapid growth of aquaculture in the country.

“These opportunities have been designed following an integrated approach that transforms enabling factors into investment-ready projects with clear technical and economic foundations,” said Khalid bin Hamad Al Kharousi, Director General of Investment Promotion.

Aquaculture projects drive output and demand for feed

In the fisheries sector, the package includes five major projects spanning algae cultivation, abalone farming and shrimp production, as well as a tuna fattening project using floating cages.

Separately, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources has signed aquaculture investment agreements worth more than OMR 51 million (approximately $121 million), reinforcing the sector’s role in food security and export growth.

Two large-scale shrimp farms in South Sharqiyah, valued at OMR 20 million and OMR 21.3 million, will deliver a combined annual output of 11,000 tonnes. 

Additional projects include a 2,000-tonne shrimp farm in Al Wusta and a finfish facility in Quriyat producing up to 2,000 tonnes of European cobia annually.

Dr Abdul Aziz bin Saeed Al Marzouqi said the investments reflect efforts to attract high-quality projects into aquaculture while strengthening non-oil economic contributions.

“These initiatives are aligned with national priorities to enhance food security, diversify income streams and reinforce the contribution of non-oil sectors to the economy,” he said.

The expansion is expected to significantly increase demand for aquafeed, making local feed production a strategic priority. 

By integrating feed manufacturing with aquaculture growth, Oman aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs and stabilise supply chains.

Dr Masoud bin Suleiman Al Azri noted that the projects are based on detailed technical studies that take into account regional advantages and sector priorities.

The investment package aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises food security as a pillar of economic diversification. 

The strategy focuses on increasing domestic production, developing downstream industries and improving supply chain resilience.

With rising domestic demand for seafood and growing export ambitions, Oman is positioning aquaculture and its supporting feed industry as a key engine of sustainable growth.

The combined investments signal a shift toward integrated food systems, where production, processing and feed supply are developed in tandem to strengthen long-term food security and economic resilience.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.