Shura Committee reviews farm marketing strategies
In its report, the Committee provides a comprehensive evaluation of the current marketing landscape for agricultural products in Oman, outlining the gap between present conditions and future ambitions.
It further reviews existing agricultural marketing strategies and assesses their role in supporting the sector and maximising its contribution to the national economy.
Among the key recommendations highlighted is the need for a comprehensive national strategy for agricultural marketing, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of value chains, supporting local production, and expanding access to domestic and international markets.
Such measures would contribute to achieving food security and improving the economic sustainability of the agricultural sector.
Additional recommendations are expected to be discussed during the report's review in forthcoming Council sessions.
Over the course of the current annual session, the Committee focused on efforts to studying this desire by preparing detailed working papers, collecting data and statistics, and holding a series of meetings and hearings with relevant stakeholders.
These engagements sought to capture insights on the realities of agricultural marketing in Oman, the major challenges facing the sector, and proposed measures for development.
It is worth noting that the Committee's study is conducted in line with Article (59) of the Law of the Council of Oman, which states: 'Without prejudice to the provisions of Article (27) of this law, the Shura Council may, on its own initiative, express desires to the government regarding matters related to public services and facilities and the means to improve and develop their performance, or on challenges facing the economic sector and ways to promote development, whenever the Council deems it in the public interest.'
The Committee also approved its position on the 2024 annual report of the Ministry of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources.
This took place during the Committee's seventh meeting of the second annual session (2024–2025) of the tenth term of the Council, chaired by Khoweidem Mohammed al- Ma'shani, Head of the Committee, and attended by members of the Committee.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Observer
4 hours ago
- Observer
Oman oil price reaches $70.52 per barrel
MUSCAT: The official price of Oman oil for September delivery on Wednesday reached $70.52. The price of Oman oil decreased by 18 cents compared to Tuesday's price of $70.70. The monthly average price of Omani crude oil for July delivery reached $63.62 per barrel, a decrease of $4.25 compared to the price for June delivery. Meanwhile, international oil prices fell for the fourth consecutive session on Wednesday, as investors assessed trade developments including a US tariff deal with Japan ahead of a US stocks data announcement. Brent crude futures were down 50 cents, or 0.7%, at $68.05 a barrel as of 11:19 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 47 cents, or 0.7%, at $64.78 per barrel. Both benchmarks lost about 1% in the previous session after the EU said it was considering countermeasures against US tariffs. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US and Japan had struck a trade deal that included a 15% tariff on US imports from Japan. 'The slide (in prices) of the past three sessions appears to have abated but I don't expect much of an upward impetus from news of the US-Japan trade deal as the hurdles and delays being reported in talks with the EU and China will remain a drag on sentiment', said an analyst. — Agencies MUSCAT: The official price of Oman oil for September delivery on Wednesday reached $70.52. The price of Oman oil decreased by 18 cents compared to Tuesday's price of $70.70. The monthly average price of Omani crude oil for July delivery reached $63.62 per barrel, a decrease of $4.25 compared to the price for June delivery. Meanwhile, international oil prices fell for the fourth consecutive session on Wednesday, as investors assessed trade developments including a US tariff deal with Japan ahead of a US stocks data announcement. Brent crude futures were down 50 cents, or 0.7%, at $68.05 a barrel as of 11:19 GMT. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down 47 cents, or 0.7%, at $64.78 per barrel. Both benchmarks lost about 1% in the previous session after the EU said it was considering countermeasures against US tariffs. US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the US and Japan had struck a trade deal that included a 15% tariff on US imports from Japan. 'The slide (in prices) of the past three sessions appears to have abated but I don't expect much of an upward impetus from news of the US-Japan trade deal as the hurdles and delays being reported in talks with the EU and China will remain a drag on sentiment', said an analyst. — Agencies
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
OQEP enhances shareholder value through share buyback programme
Muscat: OQ Exploration and Production (OQEP) has announced a share buyback programme following approval from the Financial Services Authority (FSA). This initiative aims to enhance the company's ability to deliver value to its shareholders, in addition to its current annual base dividends of OMR231 million (equivalent to $600 million) and its semi-annual performance-linked dividends. The company stated that the programme will commence 15 days from Thursday, in accordance with the regulations of the FSA and the Muscat Stock Exchange. It will be implemented based on the resolutions passed during the company's Extraordinary General Meeting held last June, which amended the company's articles of association to enable share repurchases. OQEP clarified that the buyback programme targets the acquisition of between 45 million and 60 million shares over a period of six months from the programme's commencement, or until the targeted share purchase is completed. Eng. Ahmed Said Al Azkawi, CEO of OQ Exploration & Production, explained that this programme reflects confidence in the company's strong fundamentals and its long-term growth prospects. He noted that the company's shareholders will benefit from a capital return programme that includes the OMR231 million base dividend, a performance-linked dividend program, and the share buyback. He affirmed that OQ Exploration & Production remains focused on achieving growth, operational excellence, optimising its investment portfolio, generating strong and predictable cash flows, and ensuring long-term value for its shareholders.
Times of Oman
5 hours ago
- Times of Oman
Survey conducted on social housing programme services in Oman
Muscat: The National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, conducted a public opinion survey on social housing programme services in the Sultanate of Oman. The survey was conducted from 20-24 July 2025. This survey is part of the NCSI's efforts to support government entities with accurate and reliable data essential for decision-making. By conducting such surveys, policymakers can better understand the reality of services and citizens' aspirations, leading to improved, evidence-based government decisions. Mahfoudh Salim Al Musharfi, Director of the Public Opinion Measurement Department at the NCSI, affirmed that the survey aimed to evaluate the current status of social housing programs and measure citizens' satisfaction with construction quality, designs, and contractors. It also sought to assess the efficiency of public facilities and services within social housing projects. Furthermore, the survey aimed to identify challenges faced by citizens during the application and post-benefit stages, anticipate their future aspirations regarding location and area, link housing with essential services, and assess the suitability of eligibility and distribution criteria to their needs. He clarified that the survey targeted three categories of citizens across various governorates of Oman: those benefiting from the housing assistance program, those eligible for this program, and those benefiting from the housing units program. He noted that specific questionnaires were used for each targeted category.
