Muscat: Activities of the Food Security Lab 2025 began today under the patronage of Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The lab, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, focuses this year on reviewing the sector’s strategic program, evaluating existing projects, and addressing challenges hindering their implementation.

According to Oman News Agency, the Minister emphasized the role of the strategic partnership between the Ministry and relevant entities in fostering growth within industries related to food security. The lab’s work for this year is structured around several key pillars, including an investment pillar aimed at enhancing the efficiency of attracting qualitative investments and increasing the feasibility of projects to achieve food security within Oman Vision 2040.

A sustainability pillar seeks to ensure the longevity of food security projects through enabling initiatives that strengthen value chains, leading to a sustainable and integrated food system. A strategic planning pillar focuses on enhancing integration among relevant entities and improving the efficiency of planning and execution to align with the vision’s objectives.

Furthermore, a digital economy pillar is dedicated to employing modern technologies such as artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve production, develop supply chains, and increase the efficiency of food distribution, thereby enhancing the sector’s resilience and sustainability. An empowerment and development pillar concentrates on building qualified national cadres, strengthening partnerships, and developing community capabilities within the agriculture, fisheries, and water resources sectors.

The lab program includes specialized working sessions and discussion panels featuring a select group of experts, investors, and representatives from relevant entities. The collective aim is to develop practical and actionable outcomes for implementation in the forthcoming phase.

The Food Security Lab is recognized as one of the strategic initiatives of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. In previous years, it has contributed significantly to the signing of numerous investment agreements and the launch of qualitative projects that have supported the national economy and enhanced the efficiency of the food sector.