Qatar mission to attain self-reliance in food security

The opening of the Al Mazrouh Yard for the second successive season last Thursday by HE the Minister of Environment Ahmed Amer Mohamed al-Humaidi, is a promising sign that Qatar is moving ahead in its mission to reduce the dependence on food imports.

Al Mazrouh Yard, which offered locally produced fresh vegetables in its first season, now has a new section for livestock, poultry and fodder, reflecting the progress the country is achieving in a highly challenging segment.

The market, which offers products at about 30% cheaper than outside markets, was first started on December 27 last year. Located in Umm Salal opposite the veterinary centre, Al Mazrouh Yard is open to the public Thursday to Saturday, from 7am to 5pm.

As HE al-Humaidi pointed out, the concept of the yard is part of the State’s plan, under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to provide food security and help farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to increase their production.

The Ministry of Environment has time and again reiterated its readiness to help the local companies wishing to expand and improve the quality of their production in addition to the development bank which these companies co-operate with in such cases.

The assistance the ministry provides to the farmers and the producers include material and technical assistance.

As many as 55 types of vegetable and fruits are displayed in the yard, including tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and leafy vegetables, Efranji lettuce, Qatari melons, strawberries, okra, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Qatari ghee and Al Sidr honey are also among the products.

Al Mazrouh Yard was established with the support of Hassad Foods, which faced several obstacles in marketing produce from the local farms in the central vegetable market. There are a number of farms in the vicinity of Al Mazrouh Yard.

So, instead of transporting their produce all the way to the central vegetable market in Doha, the farmers can take them to Al Mazrouh Yard thereby benefiting consumers also due to lower transport costs and no commissions to middlemen. The products are of better quality and packaged properly to retain freshness.

It is encouraging to note that Al Mazrouh Yard has been met with massive public demand. It has attracted many consumers of Arab and foreign nationalities, as well as restaurants, hotels, supermarkets and vegetables distributors due to the good reputation.

The number of buyers reached 35,000 during the 18 weeks of the first season. The sales volume reached about 170,000 boxes, with average daily sales of about 3,200 boxes.

The participating farms have undertaken to increase and vary their products. They also promised to expand the production season, in order to provide the widest selection of produce, in addition to boosting the local production and helping in the mission to attain self-reliance in food security.

The indications are that Al Mazrouh Yard would continue to develop and the authorities concerned are committed to give all possible assistance and support to the farms. Given that an increased emphasis on farming would proportionately boost the water demand for irrigation, it is advisable to seriously explore the options of utilising treated sewage effluent without compromising on health and hygiene standards.