The Omani Bioproducts Company plans to contribute to the establishment of a factory for the production of animal feed and aquatic organisms in Khazaen Economic City, envisioned in three phases with an estimated investment cost of OMR 37 million. This initiative aligns with the Sultanate of Oman's commitment to bolster food security.

The tender for the factory's construction was released in June of this year, with the expectation that the construction contract will be awarded by the end of the year. Nine local companies vied for the construction project, and the arrival of the necessary equipment and machinery is underway.

The project's objective is to harness agricultural and biological by-products, converting them into specialized value-added products, and recycling date by-products, encompassing date kernels, pulp, and palm fronds.

Anticipated annual production includes around 100,000 tons of alternative grass feed crafted from agricultural residues enriched with dates, and roughly 300,000 tons of marine life feed, such as shrimp and fish cultured in cages.

Utilizing locally available raw materials, the project aims to meet the requirements of newly established food security projects in red meat, dairy products, aquaculture, and marine agriculture, in addition to serving the export market.

Haitham bin Shakhbout Al Saadi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Omani Bioproducts Company, highlighted that the project is in line with the company's commitment to contribute to the goals of the "Oman 2040" vision. This involves leveraging circular and bio-economic concepts, utilizing available local raw materials to economically, sustainably, and environmentally friendly produce a range of products, including animal feed, aquatic organisms, and their raw materials.

The Omani Bioproducts Company, a collaboration between Nakheel Oman Development Company and the Omani Mills Group under the Oman Food Investment Holding Company group, exemplifies joint efforts among companies owned by the Oman Investment Authority. The company operates in strategic partnership with the Omani Environmental Services Holding Company, "Be’ah," and receives support from the Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources.