Latest news with #OmanAgricultureDevelopmentCompany
Observer
a day ago
- Business
- Observer
Major agro logistics hub coming up in Najd area
MUSCAT, JUNE 16 Oman Agriculture Development Company (OADC) – newly rebranded from the wholly state-owned Nakheel Oman Development Company – has announced the commencement of construction work on a major agro logistics hub at Najd in Dhofar Governorate. Formally known as the Integrated Center for the Collection, Sorting, and Marketing of Agricultural Products in the Najd area of Dhofar Governorate, the 50,000-tonnes-per-annum capacity facility will serve as a one-stop aggregation centre for the Najd Agricultural Zone, the largest of its kind in the Sultanate. Construction of the new Najd agro logistics hub at Saih al Khairat is being undertaken in collaboration with the Najd Agricultural Development Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, according to OADC. 'The project seeks to strengthen collaboration with the agricultural community in Najd by enhancing the region's agricultural logistics infrastructure. This includes produce collection from local farmers, cold storage, sorting, packaging, and processing — all aimed at improving product quality, minimizing waste, and expanding market access for Najd's agricultural output, both locally and regionally,' OADC – a subsidiary of Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) – said in a post. 'Scheduled for completion by the end of the second quarter of 2026, the project represents a strategic step forward in building a more efficient and sustainable agricultural sector,' the company further added. Covering a farming area of over 54,000 acres, the Najd zone – with its abundance of groundwater resources, nutrient-rich soil, and favourable climate and environmental conditions – is tipped to evolve into Oman's leading 'breadbasket', with the potential to reduce the country's dependency on basic food imports and move toward self-sufficiency. The zone is witnessing the largest inflow of investments across all facets of the agricultural and livestock value chain, with the government earmarking land plots for, among other activities, crop cultivation, livestock farming, fruit and vegetable production, and greenhouses, alongside processing and value-added industries. According to the Ministry, the value of agricultural and farm assets in Najd totaled around RO 190 million at the end of 2024, with assets worth a further RO 50.5 million under development. Revenues from agriculture and farm output amounted to approximately RO 66 million during the 2023/2024 season, with the livestock sector contributing about RO 40 million. Agricultural production has also grown significantly: date production surged to 1,880 tonnes in 2024, up from 502 tonnes in 2022; wheat output soared by 600 per cent to 10,510 tonnes, up from 1,500 tonnes in 2022. Recognising the zone's potential to contribute to food security and economic diversification, a new Agricultural City is currently in the master-planning phase. The masterplan envisions investments in agri-processing industries, agricultural education, and even agri-tourism. It also aims to build capacity within Oman's agriculture sector through the use of cutting-edge technologies such as vertical farming, hydroponics, and aquaponics, supported by AI-driven solutions. The masterplan further prioritises sustainable water management and the integration of land dedicated to various agriculture-based activities such as post-harvest processing, education, and rural tourism. Significantly, the Najd complex is the latest in a series of agro logistics hubs either operational or under development across the country. The largest by far is the Khazaen Central Fruits & Vegetables Market (Silal), serving as a national node for fresh produce logistics covering Muscat, and North and South Al Batinah. Another hub, albeit smaller, is currently in operation in Nizwa.
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
Oman: Dhofar begins work on integrated agriculture hub in Najd
Salalah – Oman Agriculture Development Company has started construction of an integrated centre for the collection, sorting and marketing of agricultural products in the Al Najd area of Dhofar governorate. Developed in cooperation with the Najd Agricultural Development Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), the facility aims to strengthen agricultural logistics and support farmers in the region. The centre will provide services including collection from local farms, cold storage, sorting, packaging and processing. These are expected to help improve product quality, minimise waste and open new market opportunities within and beyond Oman. Covering 4,300sqm, the centre will have an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes. It will be the first of its kind in Al Najd, which is known for its large plains and suitable climate for growing fruits, vegetables and fodder. The project is part of efforts to boost Oman's food security and support small and medium-scale farmers who face challenges related to storage, transport and market access. According to officials, the projected is expected to get completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The initiative aligns with national strategies to develop rural economies, strengthen local food supply chains and modernise the agri-logistics network. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in partnership with MAFWR, has announced plans to build three agricultural cities, each with an investment of RO1bn. The cities will be located in Saham in North Batinah, Dhahirah and Al Najd. Each will cover about 50sqkm and is designed to boost food production and create jobs. Work on the Saham and Najd sites began in 2024 after final designs were approved. The projects are expected to benefit over 43,000 people annually, add 2% to Oman's GDP. © Apex Press and Publishing Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Muscat Daily
3 days ago
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Dhofar begins work on integrated agriculture hub in Najd
Salalah – Oman Agriculture Development Company has started construction of an integrated centre for the collection, sorting and marketing of agricultural products in the Al Najd area of Dhofar governorate. Developed in cooperation with the Najd Agricultural Development Office at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), the facility aims to strengthen agricultural logistics and support farmers in the region. The centre will provide services including collection from local farms, cold storage, sorting, packaging and processing. These are expected to help improve product quality, minimise waste and open new market opportunities within and beyond Oman. Covering 4,300sqm, the centre will have an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes. It will be the first of its kind in Al Najd, which is known for its large plains and suitable climate for growing fruits, vegetables and fodder. The project is part of efforts to boost Oman's food security and support small and medium-scale farmers who face challenges related to storage, transport and market access. According to officials, the projected is expected to get completed by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The initiative aligns with national strategies to develop rural economies, strengthen local food supply chains and modernise the agri-logistics network. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, in partnership with MAFWR, has announced plans to build three agricultural cities, each with an investment of RO1bn. The cities will be located in Saham in North Batinah, Dhahirah and Al Najd. Each will cover about 50sqkm and is designed to boost food production and create jobs. Work on the Saham and Najd sites began in 2024 after final designs were approved. The projects are expected to benefit over 43,000 people annually, add 2% to Oman's GDP.
