Qatar University (QU) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Qatar Fertilizer Company (Qafco) to conduct research in the agricultural field.
The partnership will support the development of the agricultural sector in Qatar to achieve sustainable and reliable production of the required quantity and quality of products.
The MoU also aims to share, maintain and expand the knowledge of global best farming practices among Qatari stakeholders.
The MoU was signed by Dr Hassan al-Derham, QU president, and Abdulrahman M al-Suwaidi, Qafco managing director and chief executive officer. The ceremony was attended by a number of officials from QU and Qafco.
The MoU agreed on the establishment of an Agricultural Research and Training Centre to support the development of the agricultural sector in Qatar for the production of the required quantity and quality of agricultural products as well as to establish and spread agricultural knowledge and practices among Qatari stakeholders.
The centre will test appropriate nutrient management and solutions to achieve optimal results in local climate conditions with limited access to water. It will recommend fertiliser blends specific to the requirements of the Qatari agriculture sector.
In addition, the MoU agreed on the establishment of research grant open to QU students and faculty for Qafco on topics determined by Qafco. The aim of the competition is to support Qafco’s strategy in creating the knowledge to enable Qatar to become self-sufficient. Furthermore, it will support QU’s research strategy in R&D sustainability and reinforcing research culture and innovation in the QU community and provide a supportive research
environment.
Dr al-Derham praised the great accomplishments of Qafco locally and internationally said that many QU graduates have joined the task forces of Qafco. He also stressed on the importance of the MoU in the context that food security has become a priority to the country and QU wants to activate the role of its farm and develop it into a model farm that benefits researchers and society.
“Qafco is proud to partner with the local educational sector as part of its support towards Qatar’s vision of a knowledge-based economy. By signing the co-operation with Qatar University, Qafco hopes to facilitate the development of a world-class educational system in Qatar, in alignment with the human development pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030,”
al-Suwaidi added.
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