As part of its commitment to supporting national efforts to achieve food security in the Sultanate of Oman, the Food and Water Security Committee of the Shura Council held a joint meeting with officials from the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries, and Water Resources, represented by the Directorate General of Food Security. The meeting took place during the committee’s sixth regular meeting for the second annual session (2024–2025) of the tenth term (2023–2027), chaired by H.E. Engineer Khuwaidim Mohammed Al-Maashani, Chairman of the Committee.

 

At the outset of the meeting, His Excellency the Chairman emphasized the importance of strengthening integration and coordination among state institutions to achieve advanced levels of food and water security, in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, particularly in light of global challenges related to food security, market fluctuations, and supply chain disruptions.

Officials from the Ministry delivered a comprehensive presentation covering several key areas. They highlighted the Ministry’s vision and mission to ensure sustainable food and water security, outlined its strategies, and detailed the responsibilities of the Directorate General of Food Security, especially regarding the management of the strategic food reserve.

The presentation also addressed the hierarchical structure of strategic planning within the Ministry, from high-level plans to executive levels, illustrating how these plans align with Oman Vision 2040. Emphasis was placed on sustainability, strengthening partnerships with the private sector, and developing food value chains.

The meeting further discussed adopted policies to enhance commodity and strategic stockpiles, ensuring the availability of essential food items under various circumstances. It reviewed the key commodities included in the food reserve, stockpile capacities, and the mechanisms that enable swift response during crises.

Additionally, the discussion covered the role of the Directorate General of Food Security in relief and shelter efforts during emergencies and natural disasters, mechanisms for managing food and relief supplies in collaboration with relevant entities, and an analysis of the impact of economic crises, supply shortages, and supply chain disruptions on Oman's food stockpile. Ministry officials also presented a list of major countries supplying essential food commodities to Oman and outlined alternative plans to ensure the availability of vital goods during periods of market volatility and global crises.

Committee members provided several observations and inquiries regarding the Ministry’s future plans, mechanisms for enhancing the food stockpile, and expanding self-sufficiency fields. They emphasized the importance of ongoing coordination and joint follow-up with relevant authorities to ensure the sustainability of food and water security in the Sultanate of Oman.