Oman joins 38th GCC ministerial meeting on food security in Manama

Oman joined Gulf ministers in Manama for discussions aimed at reinforcing the region’s ability to withstand emergencies and crises. The Omani delegation was led by Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.

The meeting considered a proposal to create strategic GCC storage zones for food, medicine and other essential commodities. It also approved the GCC Food Security Strategy as a guiding framework for member states.

Agricultural regulation featured prominently on the agenda. Officials discussed rules for using plant genetic resource banks and updating GCC legislation on pesticides, fertilizers and agricultural products. They approved an extension for implementing regulations covering agricultural fertilizers and soil conditioners, and ratified a unified law for organic products.

The committee also reviewed veterinary quarantine regulations, a unified procurement programme for veterinary medicines and vaccines, and a central registration system for veterinary preparations. Members agreed to extend permissions for a unified GCC study on the permitted fishing of certain fish species at specified lengths.