Omani’s largest feed mill construction proceeds swiftly

At full capacity, the plant is expected to be launched in 3 phases due to the manufacture of 100,000 tons of grass feed and 300,000 tons of aquafeed, including shrimp and fish feed. Photo: Omani Bioproducts

Omani Bioproducts Co. has completed 25% the construction of a RO 37 million ($96.13 million) animal feed and aquafeed factory at the Khazaen Economic City in Muscat, Oman, the company has revealed.

Abdullah bin Saeed Al Muzaini, the plant’s operations manager, said the first phase will manufacture 48,000 tons of alternative grass feed made from agricultural residues enriched with dates and 15,000 tons of aquafeed.

Launching in 3 phases

At full capacity, the plant is expected to be launched in 3 phases due to the manufacture of 100,000 tons of grass feed and 300,000 tons of aquafeed, including shrimp and fish feed.

Al Muzaini has not provided a concrete timeframe for the project, only indicating that the future of the second and third phases depends on the needs of “the local market global export market.”

A new product

He stated that the grass feed is a new solution for the local market, underlining its positive ecological impact as it would allow the efficient use of agricultural residues instead of burning them or burying them in landfills.

The project aims to benefit from agricultural and biological byproducts, transform them into specialised value-added products, and recycle date byproducts, which include date kernels, pulp and palm fronds, the company said.

Al-Muzaini pointed out that the Omani Bio-Products Company uses modern technologies to manufacture feed, which ensures the sustainability of resources and the efficiency of production processes. He noted that government support and interest in developing the agricultural sector contribute to improving the quality of feed and expanding the local production base.

Meeting local demand

Omani Bioproducts Co. held the tender for the feed mill construction in June 2023 and began work at the site at the end of last year.

In a previous statement, Omani Bioproducts Co. reported that the project will use locally available raw materials to meet the growing demand for red meat, dairy products, and aquaculture, where new projects are being launched. In addition, some of the manufactured feed is planned for export.

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, Oman has been heavily dependent on imports to meet local demand for red meat, chicken and dairy products.

Omani Bioproducts Co. was established in partnership between the Nakheel Oman Development Co. and Omani Mills Group, prominent local food manufacturers.