Oman fish self-sufficiency reaches 146% as food production climbs

OMAN – Oman’s agricultural and fisheries production increased to 5.6 million tonnes in 2025 from 4.3 million tonnes in 2020, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources during a session before the Shura Council.

The ministry’s statement, presented by the minister during the council meeting, outlined developments in food production, fisheries, water management and investment activity as part of the country’s long-term food and water security plans.

According to the ministry, the sector’s contribution to the economy rose to RO 1.132 billion (US$2.94 billion) from RO 776 million (US$2.02 billion) recorded in 2020.

Food self-sufficiency levels also increased across several categories, with fish production reaching 146% of local demand while dates achieved 99%, milk 96% and eggs 95%.

Vegetable self-sufficiency stood at 79%, while white meat and red meat reached 62% and 45% respectively, although fruit production excluding dates covered 24% of domestic demand.

The minister said Oman’s agricultural sector currently includes more than 9.1 million date palms alongside an estimated livestock population of 4 million animals.

He added that the fisheries industry supports more than 60,000 Omani fishermen through a growing network of fish markets, processing factories and ports across the country.

Water and infrastructure projects

During the session, the minister also outlined ongoing investment in water infrastructure projects linked to groundwater recharge, water storage and flood protection systems.

He said these projects are supported by monitoring networks and cloud seeding stations aimed at improving water resource management and increasing water availability.

The ministry stated that investment activity in agriculture, fisheries and water projects continued to expand through the signing of hundreds of usufruct agreements across the sectors.

Export activity also recorded growth, particularly in fisheries and food industries, with some sectors meeting or approaching previously set targets.

In addition, the minister said the government is continuing efforts to increase local content and expand agro-industrial and fisheries-related projects as part of wider economic development plans.

He added that improvements were also recorded in wastewater treatment rates and per capita water availability during the review period.

The ministry said it will continue implementing programmes and policies aimed at addressing water scarcity and improving sustainability as part of Oman’s long-term development strategy.

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