Muscat: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning today signed 18 usufruct contracts for the implementation of investment projects in the sector of agriculture. The projects will be carried out in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. The contracts were signed in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources with the aim of enhancing food security in Oman. According to Oman News Agency, the total investment value of the contracts exceeds RO 1.9 million. The project, which will cover a total area of about 300 acres, will come up in the governorates of Al Buraimi, North A'Sharqiyah, North Al Batinah, South Al Batinah, Al Wusta and Dhofar. The signing of the contracts reflects a model of integration between relevant government departments to maximize gains from agricultural lands through sustainable investments, to raise local production and enhance food supply chains. As many as 585 usufruct contracts were signed in the agriculture sector in 2025. The step reflects a consistent investment momentum in the agricultural sector and highlights its growing role in supporting the national economy, empowering entrepreneurs and promoting the optimal use of natural resources-thereby achieving added value from government lands. The signing ceremony was attended by Eng. Hamad Ali Al Nizwani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning for Housing, and Dr. Ahmed bin Nasser Al Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture, among other officials.