Ministerial Resolution No. 290/2023 issuing a Regulation governing the Use of Agricultural Lands.

This Regulation, comprising 17 articles, aims to oversee the utilization of agricultural lands in Oman. Among its provisions, the initial articles prohibit the relocation or leveling of soil on agricultural lands, removal of palm and fruit trees for soil alteration, and unauthorized establishment of new structures like lodges and mosques. Article 7 outlines conditions for fencing agricultural land irrigated by underground channels and springs, requiring neighbor approval and ensuring no harm to adjacent lands or water sources. The Technical Committee may approve fencing if neighbors' objections are deemed unsubstantiated, while safeguarding existing water streams. Ministry of Agricultural Wealth, Fisheries, and Water Resources employees vested with judicial police powers are entitled to access agricultural land from sunrise to sunset for the purpose of enforcing regulations and overseeing compliance with their provisions. Article 11 outlines conditions for leasing agricultural land, including ownership by the lessor, a minimum lease period of one year, submission of relevant documents, and registration of the lease contract with the Ministry, while Article 12 allows partial leasing of land irrigated with wells for specific infrastructure projects with approval from the relevant authority. Article 14 allows for the establishment of service facilities on agricultural land irrigated solely by wells, under specified conditions, while Article 15 addresses their establishment on land irrigated by underground channels and springs, with Articles 16 and 17 outlining penalties for infringements.