Agriculture leaders feted for boosting production

HE the Minister of Municipality and Environment Mohamed bin Abdullah al-Rumaihi has lauded the efforts of owners of agricultural farms, fisheries and nature reserves, as well as livestock breeders, in enhancing local production levels since the beginning of the unjust siege in June last year.He observed that the local agricultural, livestock and fish production went up by around 300% after the siege began, describing it as an ‘excellent rate’.In response, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) decided to expand the sources of sales and marketing to cover the increase in production, he noted, expressing hope that the level of production would go up by 40% to 50% throughout the year, the official Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported yesterday.The observations were made during a meeting held by HE the Minister with the owners of farms, fisheries, nature reserves and livestock breeders, in recognition of their efforts in developing local production across various fields.Acknowledging their efforts, HE al-Rumaihi honoured the owners and breeders and presented them with financial rewards amounting to QR4.1mn.The minister said the aim of the focus on developing local production is to increase self-reliance, attain self-sufficiency and protect Qatari products from the effects of foreign items through regulating the process of entry of goods, noting that the State has taken a number of steps in this regard.He thanked the owners of farms for their contributions in supporting the local market since the unjust siege was imposed on Qatar on June 5 last year, thanks to the unlimited support of His Highness the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.He pointed out that the exceptional circumstances faced by the State after the blockade started and the prevention of companies from exporting their products to Qatar resulted in a significant enhancement in production levels in the agriculture, livestock and fisheries sector.The MME is seeking to provide all means and forms of support to the owners of productive farms and halal breeders in order to achieve the desired goal, the minister said, adding that it has allocated QR105mn in the 2018 budget for support to the agricultural, fish and livestock sector with a view to achieving food security, in addition, QR70mn allocated for the next five years, QNA adds.Al-Rumaihi said the MME, in co-operation with national farms and halal breeders, has succeeded in achieving a major boost in local production through supporting and encouraging farm owners, livestock breeders and fishermen.He also praised the efforts made towards the development of local production, which contributes to increasing self-sufficiency levels, and expressed hope for further efforts and contributions in the coming period.He thanked the owners of nature reserves for their efforts in preserving the environment and its sustainability, stressing that the MME would continue to provide all forms of support in order to help them achieve what they aspire for.Al-Rumaihi listened to the views and proposals of farmers and breeders on the most important needs and the kind of support they require.He also discussed their opinions on the best ways to increase production and expand the means of marketing their products at various commercial facilities in the country.