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His Excellency Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani toured the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026) at Katara Cultural Village Monday evening, in a visit that underscored Qatar’s drive to align cutting-edge agri-tech with its long-term food security agenda.Accompanied by His Excellency Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah and a number of senior officials, the prime minister moved through the busy halls of the fair, where exhibitors from Qatar and abroad demonstrated technologies designed to boost local production and build a more resilient food system.Spanning more than 40,000sqm, AgriteQ 2026 brought together over 500 exhibitors from around 40 countries. The event featured dedicated zones for plant and animal production, fisheries and aquaculture, horticulture, food industries, transportation and logistics services as well as pavilions for biotechnology and smart agricultural systems. Organisers also set up themed markets for local farmers, honey, dates and flowers as key attractions for families and sector professionals alike.​During his tour, the Prime Minister was briefed on projects showcasing precision irrigation, climate-controlled greenhouses, and digital platforms for managing agricultural supply chains, all of which are being tested or deployed in Qatari farms to increase efficiency while conserving natural resources. Officials and experts taking part in the exhibition told *Gulf Times that such innovations are central to the state’s efforts to strengthen self-sufficiency in key commodities and reduce vulnerability to disruptions in global trade.​AgriteQ 2026 comes as Qatar continues to roll out the third phase of the National Food Security Strategy (2024-2030), which aims to expand domestic output, diversify import sources and enhance strategic reserves, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. 

Mazzraty has highlighted how its integrated agricultural model is strengthening food security while expanding exports and launching new health-focused dairy innovations during the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026).Adel Aboulaila, general manager of the Dairy Division at Al Mana Holding Group, said that Mazzraty used its golden sponsorship platform to reinforce the message that “Qatar’s agricultural sector is not only growing – it is evolving”.He described Mazzraty as a fully integrated operation spanning cow and goat farms, processing factories, agri-farms for grasses and vegetables, as well as poultry, fertiliser and animal feed divisions.“We are participating with all our divisions: poultry, dairy, agri-farm, fertiliser, and animal feed,” Aboulaila said.He stressed that exhibitions such as AgriteQ provide both B2B (business to business) and B2C (business to consumer) opportunities, strengthening supply chains while opening export doors.“For B2B, many suppliers are coming here; we can make some good deals for our raw materials,” Aboulaila said. “And also some people who are coming from abroad. It’s also a good chance for exporting our products.”He said that Mazzraty products are already available in Oman and Bahrain, with further export channels in progress.The participation also supports engagement with HORECA (hotel, restaurant and café/catering) clients and enhances consumer awareness.“For B2C, it’s a good chance to create awareness about our products,” Aboulailasaid. “Some of our new products were launched during the exhibition.”Among the highlights was the launch of Mazzraty’s new “Pro Line”, which focuses on high-protein, low-fat dairy, and hydration solutions.“This is mainly for the healthy products,” Aboulaila said.The line includes Greek-style drinkable yoghurt, stirred yoghurt in plain and vegetable varieties, as well as electrolyte dehydration drinks.“Importantly, the products contain no added sugar. The sweeteners are coming from the fruits itself,” he noted, citing strawberry and beet variations.The new portfolio introduces children’s desserts, including chocolate pudding, vanilla pudding, cream caramel, and pistachio pudding.Beyond product launches, Aboulaila reflected on Qatar’s agricultural progress.“There has been a lot of developments that have happened in Qatar in the last few years, including many projects and Qatari companies,” he added. 

CEO of Hassad Food Engineer Ali Hilal al-Kuwari emphasised that organising the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026) reflects the state's keenness to support sectors related to food security, stimulate investment, exchange experiences, and review practical solutions that enhance the State of Qatar's ability to build a more efficient and sustainable food system.In his remarks on the sidelines of his participation in the exhibition, al-Kuwari pointed out that AgriteQ 2026 represents a significant platform that brings together government agencies, the private sector, and investors to support the development of supply chains, raise production efficiency, and enhance readiness to face future challenges. He noted the state's great interest in food security and sustainability issues and strengthening vital sectors.He said that Hassad Food is proud of its role as a national partner supporting the state's efforts to enhance food security, through continuous co-operation with government agencies, especially the Ministry of Municipality, to implement strategic projects that promote national development.Al-Kuwari stressed the company's commitment to continuing to support national events that contribute to developing supply chains, raising production efficiency, and strengthening the national economy to serve the state's goals in the field of food security. 

At a time when food security dominates national agendas, Qatar-based agritech startup Growa is not building farms, it is building the intelligence system designed to power the country’s food future.At Web Summit Qatar 2026, Growa’s co-founders spoke less about crops and more about clarity, arguing that the region’s biggest food security challenge is not land or climate, but data.“We’re building the national food intelligence infrastructure for the government here in Qatar, and then beyond,” said Davide, co-founder and commercial director of Growa. “It’s not just an agritech company.”For CEO and co-founder Gabriel, the issue is straightforward: governments are still making high-stakes food decisions without precise measurements.“Data collection at the moment in Qatar and in the region is largely done manually,” he said.“Measurement of waste is not really accurate, or not recorded at all in certain farms.”In a country that imports the majority of its food, that lack of precision carries weight. Growa’s platform uses IoT devices and satellite monitoring to track production, soil fertility, water consumption and energy usage — creating what Gabriel describes as “a true picture of agricultural data in Qatar.”That clarity feeds directly into smarter import strategy.“As long as you have enough data and it’s accurate enough, you can build prediction models that help you understand what you’re going to import and in what quantities,” Gabriel explained.“This helps by reducing waste and improving imports, as well as local production.”But both founders are careful to temper expectations around artificial intelligence. Davide rejects the narrative that technology replaces human judgment.“It’s a misconception,” he said. “Technology is not here to replace anyone. Technology is here to make us better at what we do, to be more efficient. Humans and technology need to learn how to work together.”He points out that many policies are built on averages — yet agriculture does not behave in averages. “Especially in our industry, nature is never average,” he said. “So we need to be really careful and use the data that we collect on a daily basis.”The question of ownership remains sensitive. Gabriel’s answer is deliberate: “Whoever is producing the data, not just collecting it, should own it.” Growa works with anonymised data sets, balancing transparency with sovereignty.Even predictive analytics, they admit, has limits. “It might create blind spots,” Gabriel said. “But it’s better to have a blind spot than to be completely blind.”Looking ahead ten years, Gabriel envisions something far more structural: seed farms engineered for Gulf climates, regional seed banks safeguarding genetic resilience, and hydroponic systems built specifically for desert conditions. “It’s a very long-term project,” he acknowledged. “It would take around 10 years.”For Davide, Qatar’s scale is its advantage. “It’s a small country with a small population, so we can be much more effective in what we do, and then export it to neighbouring countries.”And for young innovators watching from the Web Summit floor, Gabriel offered advice rooted in experience. “Start earlier than I did. I started at 40. Take risks. Failure is normal, failure is healthy.”In simple terms, Growa calls itself “the operating system of smart agriculture.” But beneath that phrase lies something larger, an attempt to shift food security from reactive policy to data-driven strategy.In a region where food resilience is a national strategy, Growa is betting that intelligence, not just infrastructure, will define the next decade. 

Qatar Charity in 2025 implemented high-quality development projects in Somalia, with 990 projects across seven key sectors, benefitting 528,233 people at a total cost of over QR 122,560,732.Qatar Charity implemented 233 projects for food supply and food security pegged at QR 7,412,886, benefitting 267,585 people.These included providing in-kind food assistance and food vouchers, implementing Iftar and Udhiyah projects, and supporting refugees and internally displaced persons in addition to implementing food programmes in partnership with the World Food Programme, which contributed to improving temporary access to food and reducing food consumption gaps.In the water and sanitation sector, 76 projects were implemented, benefiting 49,900 people, at a total cost of QR 3,389,050. The projects focused on drilling shallow and deep wells, establishing water purification plants, implementing solar-powered systems, and delivering potable water to displaced persons' communities, reducing health risks and improving public health conditions.In the health sector, Qatar Charity implemented 24 health projects, benefitting 143,051 people, at a cost of QR 9,791,300. They included building and equipping health facilities, performing general and specialised surgeries, treating critical cases, supporting blindness prevention programmes, and providing medical equipment and supplies, which enhanced access to basic and specialised healthcare services.Interventions also included projects in the social housing and shelter sectors with the implementation of 15 projects, benefiting 34,370 people at a cost ofQR7,026,259. These projects focused on building housing units and an integrated village, providing tents for displaced families and installing solar-powered lighting systems, contributing to improved living conditions and housing for the most vulnerable groups.Qatar Charity implemented 23 projects in the education and culture sector, benefitting 3,196 people at a cost of QR 3,362,072. Activities included building and renovating schools, equipping classrooms, and supporting educational and religious institutions, in addition to graduating 185 university students, enhancing capacity and improving the quality of educational services.The economic empowerment sector saw the implementation of 603 projects, benefitting 5,850 individuals, at a cost of QR 9,204,250. Interventions focused on supporting income-generating activities, providing small means of production, and equipping shops, contributing to improved family income, social cohesion, and reduced reliance on humanitarian aid.The social welfare sector constituted the largest component in terms of funding. Qatar Charity implemented 16 projects, benefitting 24,456 individuals, at a cost of QR82,374,914. Interventions included disbursing cash assistance to sponsored individuals, implementing the Eid clothing project and providing tools and supplies for people with disabilities, thus contributing to providing them with a dignified life and supporting their social integration. The total number of sponsors in Somalia is 23,613, with orphans topping the list at 20,861 including 1,234 needy families, 755 students, in addition to sponsoring 581 teachers and 182 people with special needs. 

In a bid to stave off famine and save lives, Qatar Charity (QC) has launched an emergency food security project in Yemen, backed by donors from Qatar.The initiative aims to rescue thousands of vulnerable families amid what is described as the world’s worst humanitarian crisis.The project kicked off in Taiz Governorate, targeting 1,780 families, and will soon expand to Al Hudaydah Governorate with a similar number, bringing the total beneficiaries to 3,560 families — around 25,000 people.Under the project, each family will receive three food baskets sufficient for four and a half months, containing essential staples such as wheat, rice, sugar, oil, and legumes. The distribution is being carried out in co-ordination with the Food Security Cluster and local authorities to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and fragile communities.This intervention comes at a critical juncture as many international organisations have withdrawn, and relief programmes have ground to a halt, heightening famine risks across several Yemeni governorates, a QC statement said Wednesday. Yemen has endured over a decade of conflict that shattered infrastructure, wiped out livelihoods, and was compounded by climate disasters devastating agriculture—pushing millions to the brink of famine.In a joint statement issued last October, more than 30 international and local organisations warned that Yemen faces the world’s third-largest food crisis, with half the population struggling with hunger and half of all children under five suffering from chronic malnutrition. The statement projected that by early next year, over 18mn people will experience acute food insecurity, including 41,000 at risk of famine.Beneficiaries expressed profound relief. Hammoud Saeed Masad, a displaced father from Taiz, said: "I fled with my family because of the war. Despite my age and illness, I work for a meagre wage to feed my children. Sometimes we sleep without dinner. This aid is life-saving. Thank you to the generous people of Qatar." Samia Ahmed, shared: "I often go to bed without food. This basket brought me immense joy, and I will pray with all my heart for the generous donors." 

El-Fasher taken by paramilitary force late last monthFood supplies had been cut off during long siegeUN-backed monitor first confirmed famine in Darfur last yearA global hunger monitor on Monday confirmed famine conditions in El-Fasher, the Sudanese city taken by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a lengthy siege, as well as Kadugli, another besieged city in Sudan's south. The finding is the first time the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has determined that the cities are in famine, though in December it had confirmed famine in camps for displaced people in El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur.A war that began two-and-a-half years ago between the RSF and the Sudanese army has caused severe hunger and malnutrition to spread across Sudan, as well as displacing millions of people and triggering waves of ethnically charged violence in Darfur. The IPC is the internationally recognised standard for measuring the severity of hunger crises, and its findings have provoked criticism from Sudan's government, which is backed by the army.The IPC's first determination of famine during the conflict was for the Zamzam displacement camp south of El-Fasher in August 2024. El-Fasher was subject to RSF assaults and besieged for about 18 months before it fell late last month, deepening a geographical split in Sudan. During the siege, residents said food supplies were cut off, forcing people to eat animal feed and sometimes animal hides. Places where people gathered for community kitchen meals were targeted by drone attacks, they told Reuters.As a result, all children arriving in the nearby town of Tawila after fleeing El-Fasher were malnourished, MSF project coordinator Sylvain Pennicaud told Reuters on Monday, while adults arrived emaciated. International Criminal Court prosecutors said on Monday they were collecting evidence of alleged mass killings and rapes after El-Fasher's fall. The head of the Red Cross said history was repeating itself in Darfur.Monday's IPC report, based on analysis for September 2025, said Tawila, as well as Mellit and Tawisha, two other destinations for people fleeing El-Fasher, were at risk of famine. The IPC said the overall number of Sudanese facing acute food insecurity declined by 6% to 21.2 million people - or 45% of the total population - due to gradual stabilisation and improved access in central Sudan, where the Sudanese army took control at the start of the year.However, the situation deteriorated in the Darfur and Kordofan regions as fighting concentrated there, depriving people of livelihoods, increasing prices, and driving displacement, IPC said. Global aid cuts and bureaucratic impediments hobbling the ability of the United Nations and other aid agencies to provide food and other services have increased the humanitarian challenge in Sudan.Kadugli, capital of South Kordofan state, has been under siege by the RSF-allied SPLM-N armed group, though hunger has been spreading there since the start of the war.The wider Kordofan region has increasingly become a focus of the war as it lies between RSF-dominated Darfur and the rest of the country, where the army holds sway. The IPC said the nearby city al-Dalanj could also be in famine, but a lack of data prevented a determination. On Monday, a Red Crescent official said three volunteers in a city in North Kordofan state that was taken over by the RSF, who were shown being beaten in a video clip, were later killed.The RSF has denied responsibility for alleged summary executions.

Qatar has made significant achievements in food security and self-sufficiency over the past years in many basic food products, most notably self-sufficiency in the production of fresh dairy products and poultry.The country’s efforts to meet its needs for these basic products aim to reduce the dependence on imports from foreign markets and to mitigate its exposure to the risks of disruptions to global supply chains and price fluctuations in global commodity markets.The private sector plays a key role in supporting Qatar’s food security, according to private sector representatives, speaking exclusively to Qatar News Agency (QNA). They emphasised the importance of co-operation and integration between the public and private sectors in achieving the country’s strategic and development goals.In remarks to QNA, Assistant Director of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality Hamad Hadi al-Hajri said Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030 is primarily based on achieving sustainability in the use of natural resources, through their optimal utilisation and preservation, especially land and water.He pointed out that the strategy aims to boost local production of highly perishable agricultural goods, such as staple vegetables, fresh milk and its derivatives, fresh poultry meat, table eggs, fresh fish, and fresh red meat.As for commodities that can be stored for long periods, including wheat, sugar, rice, edible oils, and frozen poultry, the strategy recommends focusing on building a strategic stockpile to reduce pressure on natural resources and preserve them.These efforts have contributed to a significant increase in local production, thereby strengthening food security and reducing reliance on imports.The Assistant Director of the Food Security Department confirmed that the focus on sustainability and local production has positively impacted self-sufficiency rates for basic food commodities, especially perishable commodities.The fresh dairy and derivatives sector, along with the fresh poultry sector, has achieved a self-sufficiency rate of approximately 98%, covering all local needs for over four years. This outstanding performance is expected to continue, confirming the stability of local production and its efficiency in meeting national demand sustainably.In regards to the strategic vegetable sector; it has achieved remarkable progress, reaching a self-sufficiency rate of 39% in 2024, especially in light of the climatic and environmental challenges. It is worth noting that local production covers most of the demand during the peak production period in winter, particularly for basic vegetables, thus enhancing food security during this time of year and reducing dependence on imports.Concerning table eggs, the self-sufficiency rate has reached 30%, with projects under construction that are expected to contribute in increasing this rate in the coming period. The fresh fish sector has achieved a self-sufficiency rate exceeding 65%, amid efforts to preserve marine stocks by stabilising fishing effort and focusing on expanding aquaculture projects to ensure sustainable production. This is in addition to achieving 14% self-sufficiency in fresh red meat production.Al-Hajri explained that the priorities for the next phase of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 are to foster sustainable agricultural production, enhance adaptation to climate change by adopting more flexible and efficient agricultural practices, and increase self-sufficiency rates in basic commodities.Self-sufficiency plansBy 2030, the strategy plans to achieve 55% self-sufficiency in fresh strategic vegetables, 70% in table eggs, 30% in sheep and goat meat, and 80% in fresh fish, while maintaining previously achieved self-sufficiency levels in fresh dairy products and fresh poultry.In terms of water sustainability, the goal is to reduce groundwater extraction for agricultural purposes by 70% and to reduce the amount of water used per ton of crops produced by 40% by 2030.In terms of improving efficiency and reducing food loss, the strategy aims to reduce food waste by 30%, reduce food waste by 50%, address between 55% and 70% of food loss and waste using sustainable solutions, and reducing the number of foodborne illnesses to 24 cases per 100,000 people.He noted that these goals constitute a clear framework for an advanced stage of work toward achieving sustainable and comprehensive food security in Qatar, capable of adapting to future environmental and economic challenges.Pivotal role of private sectorAl-Hajri explained that the Qatari private sector is a key pillar in supporting the state’s efforts to achieve the goals of the National Food Security Strategy. It plays a pivotal role in promoting economic development by providing the necessary investments to develop the food security system and increase production in various sectors such as agriculture, the food industry, and food security-related technologies.He pointed out that the private sector is characterised by its flexibility and capacity for innovation, enabling it to adopt modern solutions and advanced technologies that help promote sustainability and address challenges associated with food security.Furthermore, enhancing co-operation between the public and private sectors is also a key pillar emphasised by the National Food Security Strategy 2030. This co-operation aims to ensure the successful implementation of planned initiatives and activities, particularly in the areas of increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, enhancing the strategic stock of food commodities, and improving supply chains.He indicated the role of the private sector is highlighted through close integration and co-operation with the public sector to achieve the goals of the three pillars of the Food Security Strategy regarding local production and market demand, strategic reserves and warning systems, and international trade and investment.Speaking on the private sector’s contributions, al-Hajri added that it effectively supports the raising of self-sufficiency rates for basic commodities through the implementation of various projects, such as greenhouse projects for growing vegetables, and sheep and goat fattening projects that increase self-sufficiency in red meat, in addition to fish farming projects that maintain sustainable levels of fish stocks and ensure sufficient supplies for local consumption.The private sector also participates actively in strategic food stock projects by managing storage and recycling operations, ensuring the preservation of stock quality and its availability in times of need.Public-private sector partnershipQatar Chamber (QC) Board Member and Chairman of QC’s Food Security and Environment Committee, Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, said in a statement to QNA that Qatar has achieved advanced and tangible steps in enhancing food security by adopting a clear strategy and strengthening effective partnerships between the public and private sectors in this vital sector.He pointed out that Qatar’s global standing, thanks to the wise vision of its wise leadership, its active role in international mediation, and its prominent position on the global gas production map, has strengthened its international relations and strategic partnerships with all countries around the world, positively impacting this vital sector. Al-Obaidli noted that the country has accumulated extensive experience during its journey towards self-sufficiency in a number of basic products, such as meat and vegetables, in addition to significant developments in agricultural technology, livestock production projects, and food processing.He stressed the vital role played by the local private sector in enhancing food security and achieving self-sufficiency, especially during times of crisis such as the Covid-19 pandemic.He pointed out that the country’s strategic reserve depends on increasing local production, which Qatar has succeeded in achieving in partnership with the private sector, developing supply chains, and strengthening trade relations with friendly countries, resulting in providing all the elements of food security for the entire population.He also noted that the launch of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal step towards strengthening food security, reflecting the wise leadership’s vision for achieving sustainable development across all economic sectors in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.He pointed out that QC is encouraging the Qatari private sector to engage in food security projects by providing specialised information and studies, and encouraging the establishment of joint ventures with leading international companies in the fields of storage, transportation, and other sectors. The Chamber has received trade delegations from several countries, with the aim of bringing together Qatari companies operating in the food security sector with their counterparts from these investment destinations.The QC board member underscored that the Food Security and Environment Committee organises meetings between investors, business owners, and relevant authorities to study the problems and obstacles facing food security and environment sector, and works to find appropriate solutions. The Committee has also presented a number of initiatives and proposals to support farm owners and increase the competitiveness of local products.Businessman Ali al-Khalaf, emphasised the importance of the private sector’s role and the integration of its efforts with the public sector in achieving Qatar’s food security goals. He reaffirmed the role played by the private sector in serving Qatar’s food security goals under the supervision of relevant government agencies, whether at the level of importing consumer goods or at the level of local agricultural production.He explained that there are regulatory procedures and co-operation between relevant government agencies and various private sector companies, each according to its specialisation in the field of trade, in order to strengthen the partnership between the public and private sectors and support the strategic stock system for food, consumer, and supply goods.Al-Khalaf added that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, for example, is responsible for supervising and managing the strategic stock and monitoring its adequacy among strategic suppliers and registered traders, thus, it has a direct relationship with the various private sector companies that import, store, and distribute in the local market.