A large number of students from various schools in Doha, including persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Al Shafallah Centre, took part in an educational tour at the second Mahaseel Festival, taking place at the southern area of Katara – the Cultural Village.
The students were briefed about Qatari agricultural crops and livestock, as well as meat, poultry and dairy production. In a statement, Mohdi al-Hitmi from Al Shafallah Centre said nine of their PWD employees, along with students, had the opportunity to participate in a number of workshops about plant cultivation.
She noted that these workshops gave students the chance to apply what they learn in school, further enhancing their skills through actual application at the festival, which is organised by Katara in co-operation with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment. It is learnt that some workshops and activities also involved parents. “I came here yesterday and we came back as a family for this workshop today. It’s very beautiful and my daughter has learnt a lot of things. She’s enjoying here,” said a mother named Ala, who also bought vegetables and flowers.
In the first edition of Mahaseel held early this year, more than 1,100 students participated in these activities and had the opportunity to experience hands-on gardening.
In this second edition, the festival will also host a series of lectures on agriculture, bee-keeping and healthy nutrition. Topics will include how to store vegetables and fruits and planting mini gardens.
Art and drawing activities attracted and taught many students and young children how to create flower formations while other workshops introduced them about the health benefits of vegetables and fruits on the daily diet. Since its opening on Saturday, organisers noted that Mahaseel witnessed an increasing number of visitors who want to buy fresh produce direct from participating Qatari farms.
“The festival provides an ideal destination for shopping,” Mahaseel’s organising committee chairman Sulaiman al-Nuaimi said in a statement.
He noted that the Qatari agricultural sector is producing high-quality fresh produce, which contributes to the country’s aim for food security and self-sufficiency. The festival, taking place until December 27, also offers poultry, meat and dairy products such as fresh milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese, as well as dates and honey, among others.
From January 2018 onwards, Mahaseel will take place every weekend, from Thursday to Saturday, until the end of March with 22 Qatari farms (30 stalls) and six national companies in the food production sector showcasing high-quality products.
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