Latest news with #IssabinMohammedalFarsi
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Workshop highlights best practices in integrated fish farming
MUSCAT: A regional workshop titled 'Development of Integrated Freshwater Aquaculture' was held in Muscat, focusing on best practices and modern technologies in integrated fish farming. The event is held under the auspices of Eng Yaqoub bin Khalfan al Busaidy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Fisheries. The two-day seminar discussed the requirements for integrated fish farming, Oman's experiences, and advanced technologies such as elevator and biofloc systems, including maintaining fish quality, technical practices before and after harvesting, boosting production, and managing diseases in aquaculture farms. Dr Issa bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director of the Aquaculture Development Department at the ministry, in his speech emphasised that aquaculture is a key pillar supporting fish production in Oman. The sector has strong potential to attract local and international investments and meet the needs of small-scale farmers and producers. He highlighted that fish farming significantly contributes to food security and rural development in the Sultanate of Oman. In 2007, Oman, in collaboration with FAO, developed a national strategy for sustainable aquaculture development, followed by a sector vision with the World Bank in 2015 aligned with 'Oman Vision 2040'. Dr Al Farsi explained that integrated aquaculture combines traditional farming with fish farming, maximising land and water use to improve farmers' economic returns. As of 2024, Oman has 24 licenced integrated fish farms, producing 498 tonnes of tilapia valued at approximately RO 746,000. Organised by the ministry in cooperation with FAO, this seminar implements decisions from the first 2025 meeting of the Aquaculture Committee. The workshop aims to equip farmers with optimal integrated farm management techniques, improve production and quality in freshwater aquaculture, promote best harvesting and marketing practices, and facilitate knowledge sharing among participants. — ONA
Muscat Daily
a day ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
24 integrated aquaculture farms granted licences in Oman in 2024
Muscat – Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) gave licences to 24 integrated aquaculture farms across the sultanate in 2024 with expected total output of 498 tonnes of tilapia at estimated RO746,000 market value. The announcement was made during a regional workshop, titled 'Developing Integrated Freshwater Aquaculture – Best Practices and Modern Technologies', held in Muscat on Wednesday in cooperation with regional and international organisations engaged in the sector. Participants reviewed best practices for setting up and managing integrated aquaculture farms, with a focus on improving fish quality and reducing disease and mortality rates. Technologies such as 'elevator system' and 'biofloc system' were introduced to improve production efficiency and maintain product standards before and after harvest. The workshop also addressed marketing strategies and harvesting techniques, while familiarising farmers with improved farm management practices. Investment opportunities in the aquaculture sector were presented as part of wider efforts to support national food security and sustainable rural development. Dr Issa bin Mohammed al Farsi, Director of Aquaculture Development Department at MAFWR, said the government aims to develop aquaculture as a key pillar of the fisheries sector. He noted that Oman is positioned to attract both local and foreign investment in the industry, while continuing to support small-scale producers. He added that aquaculture is central to the sultanate's food security goals. 'The National Aquaculture Strategy was developed in partnership with Food and Agriculture Organization in 2007, and the sector's development vision was prepared with World Bank in 2015,' Farsi said. He highlighted the role of integrated aquaculture as a sustainable model that combines crop and fish farming, maximising land and water use to improve farmer income and productivity.
