Significant progress has been made on the issue of hunger in Oman. With a score of 9.9 in the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Oman is considered to be one of the fastest-improving countries in food security and has been recognized worldwide for its sustainable strategies in establishing accessible food systems. Much of Oman’s success today has been attributed to crucial investments in industries such as agriculture, water resources and food storage, which have collectively served to increase food production and availability throughout the nation. As such, below are five recent developments in Oman that encapsulate the holistic approach it has taken to achieve food security and resilience, positioning the country as a new but well-qualified leader in regional food security.  

5 Updates on Hunger in Oman:

1. In 2023, Oman’s agriculture, forestry and fishing sectors contributed approximately 2.4% to the GDP, indicating an increase of 2.3% from the previous year. These sectors have demonstrated significant promise to the country’s food production, primarily by integrating modern technologies into existing resources and practices. Notably, Oman has applied artificial intelligence and digital agriculture into its agricultural and fisheries sectors, which have expanded crop yield and water-use efficiency nationwide. Other techniques such as hydroponics, aquaponics and desalination projects have maximized agricultural resilience while minimizing water usage. As a result, these sectors reached a value of approximately $1.18 billion in the first half of 2024, and are expected to reach new heights in the coming years. 
2. As of October 2024, Oman now has 94 fish processing and freezing factories. Within the past several years, Oman’s fisheries sector has seen remarkable progress as a byproduct of state-led efforts to strengthen the country’s hunger levels and expand value-added exports. Improvements in infrastructure, streamlined marketing systems and enhanced quality control in fish markets across the nation have provided Omanis with booming fish markets upheld by safe products ready for consumption. Companies such as Fisheries Development Oman (FDO) have drastically broadened Oman’s fish processing capacities, bypassing climate-related obstacles. FDO recently launched its first Omani tuna fishing ship and completed a shrimp farming project, and expects to continue to expand into the global seafood market following its merger with Oman Investment Authority (OIA) in late 2024.
3. Improvements in the food storage systems are underway, and are predicted to prevent food crises and other shortages caused by emergencies successfully. A wheat silo at Sohar Port will increase capacity to 160,000 tons and new silos are being planned at Salalah Port and Muttrah, which will guarantee the availability of essential grains both locally and throughout the country. In the next few years, food hub Khazaen Economic City and agro-food company Zircon Food Industries will establish an integrated industrial complex designed to refine and package rice, sugar and spice. In addition to bolstering the production of staple foods, the state is working to secure a strategic stock of basic food commodities to ensure their availability during times of disaster – such as lentils, milk, oil and tea. These stocks will be maintained via approximately 48 warehouses across all of Oman, which will also rely on a combination of imports, local procurement and storage agreements.
4. Oman has taken a multi-pronged approach to achieving a physically fit and well-nourished population by 2050. Regarding nutrition and health, the National Nutrition Strategy intends to raise exclusive breastfeeding to improve the nutritional and cognitive potential of children, reduce stunting and low birth weight through improvement of women’s health and nutrition, and reduce anemia and similar micronutrient deficiencies by providing nutrient-rich foods, among other initiatives. Oman has introduced organically grown vegetables and fruits into households by incorporating advanced tools for rural and urban gardens in 80% of all households. In tackling obesity, the country seeks to promote active living by establishing a standard of one hour of aerobic heart-friendly exercise, spanning from walking and jogging to bicycling and gardening.
5. Oman’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources intends to launch 30 new investment projects worth over $52 billion in order to strengthen food security. This initiative will build upon Food Security Lab 2024, which was launched in 2021 as a collaborative effort engaging the state, the National Programme for Investment and Export Development (Nazdar) and private sector partners to enhance Oman’s self-sufficiency in food production. These upcoming projects aim to focus on crops such as onion, garlic and potatoes as well as fish farming and water efficiency that currently demonstrate low self-sufficiency, aquaculture and water resources. By leveraging strategic planning and effective coordination, all stakeholders hope to increase local production and create job opportunities for Omanis, seeking to boost the economy long term.

Oman has made many strides in food security throughout the past decade. However, the country remains ambitious in its plans to eliminate hunger entirely, employing eco-friendly practices, sustainable resources and stakeholder engagement to whittle down on its goals. By continuing to adopt a proactive approach to food production and availability, Oman is well-prepared to take on any unanticipated food challenges and maintain a resilient food system across its borders and beyond.

– Dustin Jayroe, Moon Jung Kim

Photo: Flickr

Updated: April 1, 2025