To address the growing demand for meat, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR) has confirmed the import of 289,089 live animals during January and February. This includes 21,876 cows and 267,213 sheep and goats.
Khalfan bin Matar Al Sharji, Director General of Animal Wealth at MAFWR, highlighted the ministry’s collaboration with livestock importers to ensure a consistent supply of live animals and red meat. “The ministry is streamlining import procedures and has issued 129 import permits to facilitate the process,” he said.
During this period, the total number of livestock approved for import was 359,150, comprising 332,700 goats and sheep and 26,450 cows. With Ramadan underway and Eid al-Fitr approaching, the ministry anticipates a further rise in livestock imports. “These measures are expected to meet the local market’s needs during these peak seasons,” Sharji added.
He also emphasized the role of veterinary staff at quarantine facilities in conducting health checks on all imported animals. “This is a critical step in preventing the spread of infectious, epidemic, or common animal diseases into the sultanate,” he noted.
(Source: Muscat Daily)
