Oman Turns Trash to Treasure with Massive $96M Green Feed Plant

Editor/Mohamed Shihab

Omani Bio Products Company (OBPC), based in Khazaen, Oman, has officially put into operation a new aquaculture feed production plant

In a landmark move for the Sultanate of Oman’s agricultural and fisheries sectors, His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agricultural, Fisheries and Water Resources, officially inaugurated the first phase of the nation’s largest animal and aquaculture feed production plant in Khazaen Economic City.

The facility, operated by the Omani Company for Biological Products (OBPC)—a subsidiary of the Omani Mills Group—represents a total investment of 37 million Omani rials (approximately $96 million). This strategic project is designed to bolster national food security by utilizing circular economy principles to transform agricultural waste into high-value nutritional products.

Circular Economy and Strategic Innovation

The plant is a pioneer in the region, focusing on the recycling of agricultural and organic byproducts. According to Haitham bin Shakhbout Al-Saadi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of OBPC, the facility will collect approximately 100 tons of green agricultural waste daily from the Barka landfill—the largest in the country. This waste, along with date residues unfit for human consumption, is processed into specialized feed rich in fiber and energy.

"This factory is not merely a production facility; it is a strategic project embodying the national direction towards a bioeconomy," Al-Saadi stated. He highlighted that the project provides local breeders with cost-effective alternatives to imported grasses, reducing environmental impact by diverting waste from landfills.

Production Capacity and Economic Impact

The first phase of the plant has an annual production capacity of:

48,000 tons of animal feed.

15,000 tons of aquatic feed.

This output is expected to significantly reduce Oman’s dependence on imported feed, which currently accounts for a large portion of the local market's needs. The facility also champions local talent, boasting an Omanization rate of over 95%.

Engineer Salem bin Sulaiman Al Dhahli, CEO of Khazaen Economic City, noted that the city's logistical advantages—including its dry port and proximity to airports—will allow the factory to easily access regional markets and lower transportation costs.

Future Expansion and Vision 2040

The inauguration marks the beginning of an ambitious three-phase expansion plan scheduled for completion between 2027 and 2030. By 2030, the facility aims to scale its production to:

100,000 tons of animal feed per year.

300,000 tons of aquaculture feed per year.

This growth aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which targets over 220,000 tons of aquaculture production and an economic contribution of $500 million to $900 million. By developing alternative feed sources, Oman aims to mitigate global supply chain risks and stabilize costs for its burgeoning shrimp and cage fish farming industries.

Dr. Saud Al Habsi emphasized that this project joins other innovative initiatives, such as the development of fish feed from the water fern azolla, to ensure a sustainable and self-sufficient future for the Sultanate.

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