Some 313 exhibitors from more than 36 countries, including Spain, the Netherlands and Palestine, will be participating in the sixth edition of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ), on March 20-22 at the the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The event, under the patronage of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME), is witnessing a 100% increase in the number of participants compared to last year’s edition.
The exhibition space of AgriteQ also expanded, using four huge halls at the venue for exhibitors who will be showcasing their products and services during the three-day event.
“The large interest placed in AgriteQ 2018 demonstrates the growing interest of experts and members of the international community on Qatar’s agricultural segment – showing a key understanding of the significant role that agriculture plays in the efforts towards economic diversification and achieving continuous development,” MME’s Agricultural Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries Department Assistant Undersecretary Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al-Thani told a press conference held yesterday.
“The show also reflects the strategic pursuit of self-sufficiency in agricultural production, which aims to increase the country’s domestic production capacities and reduce its dependency on imported products,” HE Sheikh Dr Faleh added.
Besides Qatar, other countries which are taking part at the event include Iran, Pakistan, Oman, Syria, Bulgaria, Sudan, and Lebanon.
The exhibition will host 31 international pavilions, which will be spread out across DECC while participating countries and companies have been classified into landscaping; agribusiness technologies and equipment; fruits, vegetables and dates farming; organic food; milk, dairy and juice products; planting machines; farm management and systems; fertilisers, pesticides and agrochemicals; nurseries and crop protection and refrigeration equipment and harvest production.
Sheikh Dr Faleh said AgriteQ 2018 has substantially boosted the country’s efforts to improve the local agricultural sector.
“AgriteQ also plays a significant role in reaching the highest international standards that enhance its active participation in advancing sustainable and comprehensive development for Qatar to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural production,” he stressed.
Agricultural Affairs Department director Yusuf Khalid al-Khulaifi said this year’s edition of AgriteQ will witness the participation of specialised companies and agricultural experts.
“The exhibition will serve as a strategic platform for agricultural professionals to learn more about the latest in equipment, technologies and products that support the development and growth of this vital sector,” he noted.
“The event will also provide interactive platforms for experts and specialists to exchange knowledge and experience among local and international participants,” al-Khulaifi added.
AgriteQ will also host a series of lectures and meetings with farm owners, agricultural experts, government agencies, environmental specialists and technology providers to discuss current and future projects in the sector.
According to organisers, several panel discussions and presentations at the event will highlight opportunities and the latest technologies, which can be used to support the growing multi-billion dollar agricultural sector in Qatar.
AgriteQ will also feature “B2B matching platform,” livestock, and a series of workshops organised by experts and technicians from the agricultural sector aimed at introducing the latest technologies the industry has adopted.
Children will also have the opportunity to take part in fun-filled and educational activities at the “educational theatre,” giving them a better understanding of the concept of agriculture.