Qatar has managed to produce locally a considerable portion of its food requirements as the unjust blockade imposed on the country by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt completes one year, a panel of experts stated.
Qatar has produced 24% of its vegetable needs, 80% dates, 98% fresh poultry, 80% fish, 50% green animal fodder, and 82% of the milk, local Arabic daily Arrayah reported citing the experts.
They also affirmed there are several techniques that allow the growth of leafy vegetables year round, which are being developed to accommodate for the particular requirements of the country.
Speaking earlier this week at the Green Tent at Ezdan Mall, the experts stressed that food security is an important part of national security. Sheikh Dr Ali al-Qaradaghi, Secretary General of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, pointed out Qatar has a great potential to develop its food industry in a short period of time and produce more food locally.
Dr Saif al-Hajari, head of the Green Tent, said Qatar is keen on food production research and has provided considerable capabilities and finance for this. He further pointed out that scientific research and the use of sophisticated technology would eventually enable the country to overcome the difficulties in the field.
Qatari entrepreneur Ahmed al-Khalaf said the country require a supply of around 600 tonnes of vegetables a day, which could be produced locally when 6-8mn sqm of green houses are cultivated. These also save around 90% of irrigation water compared to traditional methods.
Dr Mohamed Saif al-Kuwari, director the Environmental Studies Center at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, said that the various entities in the country are exerting great efforts to develop food security research and studies.
Ambassador Badr Omar al-Dafaa, executive Director of the Global Dry Land Alliance, recalled that Qatar prepared a plan for food security three years ago.
Vegetables grown in Qatari farms on display at Al Meera stores. File picture
