Latest news with #AhmedbinAlialBulushi
Zawya
07-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman explores millet cultivation for the first time
Seeking to reduce the country's dependence on grain imports for its basic food requirements, the Sultanate of Oman is weighing the introduction of millet cultivation for the first time. Millets encompass a diverse group of cereals well-known for their mineral, protein and antioxidant rich properties. The fibre content of these grains is also known to play an important role in regulating intestinal function, blood sugar levels, and lipid metabolism. Lately, millet has been the focus of growing global attention as a cost-effective alternative that can contribute to strengthening food security. Pondering the introduction of millet cultivation domestically is Oman Flour Mills (OFM), one of the country's largest food companies majority-owned by the government through Nitaj (Oman Food Investment Holding Company). Nitaj represents the food sector investment arm of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Commenting on the company's vision for millet cultivation in Oman, Ahmed bin Ali al Bulushi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at OFM Group, said: 'OFM is in the final stages of importing millet seeds, with plans to cultivate millets in Oman to capitalise on the country's favourable growing conditions and diversify agricultural production.' The planned foray into millet cultivation is in line with OFM's mandate to secure access to grain commodities – chiefly wheat, corn and barley – in a timely manner and at cost-competitive rates. In support of this goal, the company has invested in silo complexes in Muscat and Suhar for the storage of imported grain, as well as adequate milling capacity. OFM also ranks among the largest players in Oman's feed mill sector, which is an important source of different types of feed for the country's livestock, poultry and fish farms as well. Significantly, Oman's proposed venture into millet cultivation aligns with a global shift towards the inclusion of these cereals in national diets due to their affordability and health benefits. Underscoring this shift, the UN General Assembly, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) during its 75th session. Millets are also known to adapt to harsh climate conditions, making the drought-resistant crop particularly suitable for cultivation in countries like Oman. Besides strengthening food security, millet cultivation is also expected to open up opportunities for small-scale farmers, helping them supplement incomes from the farming of wheat, as well as fruits and vegetables. In 2024, around 10,000 tonnes of locally grown Omani wheat were procured by OFM directly from farmers under a Subsidised Wheat Procurement Programme initiated in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It represented a 100 per cent increase in procurement last year, up from around 5,000 tonnes a year earlier. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publicatio and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Observer
06-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman explores millet cultivation for the first time
Seeking to reduce the country's dependence on grain imports for its basic food requirements, the Sultanate of Oman is weighing the introduction of millet cultivation for the first time. Millets encompass a diverse group of cereals well-known for their mineral, protein and antioxidant rich properties. The fibre content of these grains is also known to play an important role in regulating intestinal function, blood sugar levels, and lipid metabolism. Lately, millet has been the focus of growing global attention as a cost-effective alternative that can contribute to strengthening food security. Pondering the introduction of millet cultivation domestically is Oman Flour Mills (OFM), one of the country's largest food companies majority-owned by the government through Nitaj (Oman Food Investment Holding Company). Nitaj represents the food sector investment arm of Oman Investment Authority (OIA). Commenting on the company's vision for millet cultivation in Oman, Ahmed bin Ali al Bulushi, Chairman of the Board of Directors at OFM Group, said: 'OFM is in the final stages of importing millet seeds, with plans to cultivate millets in Oman to capitalise on the country's favourable growing conditions and diversify agricultural production.' The planned foray into millet cultivation is in line with OFM's mandate to secure access to grain commodities – chiefly wheat, corn and barley – in a timely manner and at cost-competitive rates. In support of this goal, the company has invested in silo complexes in Muscat and Suhar for the storage of imported grain, as well as adequate milling capacity. OFM also ranks among the largest players in Oman's feed mill sector, which is an important source of different types of feed for the country's livestock, poultry and fish farms as well. Significantly, Oman's proposed venture into millet cultivation aligns with a global shift towards the inclusion of these cereals in national diets due to their affordability and health benefits. Underscoring this shift, the UN General Assembly, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO), declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) during its 75th session. Millets are also known to adapt to harsh climate conditions, making the drought-resistant crop particularly suitable for cultivation in countries like Oman. Besides strengthening food security, millet cultivation is also expected to open up opportunities for small-scale farmers, helping them supplement incomes from the farming of wheat, as well as fruits and vegetables. In 2024, around 10,000 tonnes of locally grown Omani wheat were procured by OFM directly from farmers under a Subsidised Wheat Procurement Programme initiated in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. It represented a 100 per cent increase in procurement last year, up from around 5,000 tonnes a year earlier.
Muscat Daily
08-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Oman-UAE railway project advances with key agreements signed
Muscat – In a major development towards enhancing regional logistics and trade, Hafeet Rail has signed a few key agreements to advance the Oman-UAE railway project. On Thursday, the company announced a long-term commercial partnership with EMSTEEL, alongside awarding construction contracts to different international firms, marking a crucial step in building a world-class rail network connecting the two nations. Hafeet Rail signed a 'Heads of Terms Agreement' with EMSTEEL, one of the region's largest steel and building materials manufacturers, to facilitate the transportation of limestone and red shale from Oman to the UAE. Under this agreement, the railway will handle an annual freight volume of 4.2mn tonnes over a 15-year term, ensuring a seamless supply chain for critical raw materials. 'This agreement is a significant step forward for EMSTEEL as it ensures a reliable and sustainable supply chain for our cement unit,' said Eng Saeed Ghumran al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL. The project aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and the UAE's Operation 300bn initiative, supporting sustainable economic growth and reinforcing the region's position as a trade and logistics hub. Ahmed bin Ali al Bulushi – Hafeet Rail's board member and CEO of Asyad Drydock and Infrastructure Services – said that these contracts would enhance the technical and commercial capabilities of the network while reinforcing seamless integration between local industries and regional markets. 'By fortifying cross-border connectivity, we are unlocking unprecedented trade potential and positioning the region as a logistical powerhouse in the global economy.' To further the project's implementation, Hafeet Rail has awarded construction contracts to Larson & Toubro (L&T) and Power China for the development of key railway facilities in Oman. These state-of-the-art facilities, to be constructed in Buraimi and Suhar, will enhance freight handling for bulk, containerised, and breakbulk cargo, ensuring multimodal connectivity and operational efficiency. The Suhar facility will also include maintenance provisions for locomotives and wagons, strengthening the railway's long-term reliability. In addition, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) has been contracted to supply a fleet of advanced freight wagons designed for multi-modal adaptability. These wagons will optimise the movement of varied cargo types, enhancing network agility and sustainability. Ahmed al Musawa al Hashemi, CEO of Hafeet Rail, described the agreements as a transformative step. 'This initiative strengthens the UAE and Oman's positions as key trade and logistics hubs, fostering greater economic diversification, industrial expansion, and cross-border investment.' By aligning with national economic priorities, he said, Hafeet Rail is building a high-impact transport corridor that is to enhance regional competitiveness and stimulates sustainable growth. The Oman-UAE railway project is poised to redefine the region's logistics landscape, offering reliable rail-based freight solutions to reduce supply chain risks and support industrial growth. With a focus on economic integration and long-term value creation, the project aims to unlock new trade opportunities and cement the region's standing in global trade corridors.
