Qatar accelerates push for food production in bid for sustainability
Doha, Qatar: The government is rapidly escalating its efforts to boost local food production and ensure long-term sustainability as part of its ambitious National Food Security Strategy 2030.
Recent data from the Ministry of Municipality and Environment signals clear progress, with targets centered on self-sufficiency in vital food categories.
Under the 2030 plan, Qatar aims for 55 percent self-reliance in vegetables, 30 percent in red meat, and 80 percent in fish, while achieving 100 percent self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry production. As of 2024, more than 950 productive farms operate nationwide, and the area dedicated to organic farming has doubled.
Last year, over 26 million kilograms of local vegetables were marketed by Mahaseel Company—reflecting a 98 percent increase in fresh vegetable output over five years. The livestock sector showed notable gains, including fresh milk with 97 percent, while red meat climbed steadily, and poultry now meets full domestic demand.
Qatar's agricultural market is highly dynamic, valued at around $180m in 2025 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.5 percent to $235m by 2030. This doubling in output is underpinned by greenhouses, hydroponics, vertical farming, and aquaponics methods championed in government programmes.
'These are outcomes of meticulous strategy, investment in technology, and strong policy frameworks,' said Ibrahim Al‑Marri, a food security expert. 'We have improved self-sufficiency across critical food categories—from greenhouse vegetables to fish and dairy—by integrating modern irrigation, sustainable inputs, and strategic marketing support.'
Efforts are being made to reduce groundwater usage.
The country plans to cut water use per ton of crops by 40 percent by 2030 and expand treated sewage effluent (TSE) irrigation to 100 percent of fodder lands, up from 27 percent in 2019. 'The adoption of hydroponics, automated irrigation, and soil-less techniques is fundamental.'
Al‑Marri said. 'We saw a 20 percent rise in domestic vegetable output in 2023 alone, supplied by smart greenhouses and vertical farms—critical in Qatar's arid climate.'
On the other hand, regional collaboration plays a key role. Qatar chaired the GCC Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee, where stakeholders discussed standards for sustainable hydroponic systems and regional food resilience. 'Qatar has also built a resilient food ecosystem that is technologically advanced and environmentally aware,' Al‑Marri stated.
© Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
2 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
GECO ME crowned champions at inaugural FMPL Season 1
The inaugural edition of the Facility Management Premier League (FMPL) – Season 1, presented by O Gold App, concluded on a high note at the DCS You Select Arena Ground in Sharjah, bringing together top facility management companies for an electrifying two-day T10 cricket tournament. Held on June 13 and 14, the championship was co-sponsored by RG Group and powered by FMPL Season 1 saw eight of the UAE's leading facility management companies battle it out in 13 action-packed matches, celebrating not only competitive spirit but also unity and camaraderie within the industry. Emerging as the undisputed champions were GECO ME, who triumphed over Al Tanmiyah Super Kings in the thrilling final match. After winning the toss, Al Tanmiyah opted to bat first and posted a respectable 75/5 in 10 overs. In response, GECO ME chased down the target in just 8.2 overs, clinching the title with a spectacular Instant Cash SIX, finishing at 76/4. For their stellar performance, GECO ME was awarded the prestigious FMPL Champion's Trophy, gold medals, and a cash prize of Dh5,000. Al Tanmiyah Super Kings were lauded with silver medals and the runner-up trophy for their commendable performance. The grand finale was graced by Abdullah Al Mamoon, vice president – HR and legal affairs (HR & OE), who attended as the chief guest. Adding a touch of glamour and elegance to the event were five prominent personalities from the fashion and pageantry world: Swati Shemil – Mrs. International Women of Substance 2023 Payal Kapoor – Runner-up at De Mehr Pageant, Miss Fashionista, and International Fashion Idol Dhairya Salla – Miss UAE International Runner-Up Prutha Pawar Kaul – Mrs. India Middle East 2023 Tournament highlights: Man of the Match (Final): Asif Hayat – GECO ME Most Runs: Abu Bakar Siddiqi – GECO ME (89 runs from 37 balls) Best Bowler: Muddassir – White Spot (7 wickets, economy 3.33) Best Batsman: Zeeshan – Khansaheb Engineering (151 runs overall) Best Fielder / Most Dismissals: Afzal – Serve U Man of the Series: Mohammed Waleed – Al Tanmiyah Super Kings The entire event was seamlessly conceptualised and executed by Trendz Events – Powered by Farnek, under the visionary leadership of Karthik Vijayamani, managing director of Trendz Events. His initiative to unite the facility management community through the power of sports has set a new benchmark in the industry. Following the overwhelming success of Season 1, FMPL Season 2 is already in the works and is scheduled for February 2026. With high anticipation and growing participation, the next edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more competitive.
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
Mideast Stocks: UAE stocks bounce back amid hopes of regional de-escalation
Stock exchanges in the United Arab Emirates rebounded on Friday, buoyed by hopes of a potential de-escalation in regional tensions. Investor sentiment improved following European efforts to bring Tehran back to the negotiating table and a pause in U.S. involvement in the Middle East conflict. The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on "whether or not to go" with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future. Dubai's main index snapped a three-day losing streak, rising 1.6%, driven by gains in real estate and materials sector stocks. Among the top performers, Dubai's developer Emaar Properties jumped 1.2%, while state-owned Parkin Company advanced 4.8%. Separately, UAE created a new ministry of foreign trade, and appointed Thani al Zeyoudi as its minister, the United Arab Emirates prime minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said in a post on X on Friday. Abu Dhabi's benchmark index (.FTFADGI) also rebounded, gaining 1% after three consecutive sessions of losses. First Abu Dhabi Bank rose 2.7%, while Adnoc Gas advanced 2.5%. Real estate developer Aldar Properties gained 4.5% after reporting over AED 3.5 billion in sales at its Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House projects. Despite Friday's gains, Dubai's index posted a second consecutive weekly loss, down 0.2% after nine straight weeks of gains. Abu Dhabi mirrored the trend with a 0.5% weekly decline, according to LSEG data. Meanwhile, oil prices — a key driver of Gulf financial markets — fell 2.3% to $77.04 per barrel as of 11:40 GMT. (Reporting by Mohd Edrees in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber)
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Zawya
MENALAC announces newly elected board members following successful AGM
Dubai, UAE – Following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 19th June 2025, the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attractions Council (MENALAC) is thrilled to announce several new additions to our board of MENALAC, as part of the associations bi-annual elections. This newly elected leadership team will work alongside the existing board to advance MENALAC's mission of strengthening and unifying the Leisure and Entertainment (L&E) industry across the MENA region. MENALAC continues to play a vital role as the region's leading representative body for the attractions and amusement sector. With a refreshed board comprising influential and experienced industry professionals, the Council is positioned to accelerate progress, set benchmarks, and lead conversations that shape the future of leisure in the Middle East and North Africa. 'Our newly elected board is fully aligned with MENALAC's enduring vision—to unite operators, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, tourism authorities, and regulators on a common platform that encourages collaboration and promotes high operational standards across the region. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to building a harmonized, safe, and forward-thinking leisure and entertainment landscape—one that evolves with the growing expectations of both consumers and businesses,' said Silvio Liedtke, Vice President of MENALAC. Over the coming term, MENALAC's leadership will focus on strengthening the industry's foundation through advocacy, education, and industry connectivity. By creating meaningful opportunities for professional growth, promoting best practices in safety and operations, and offering platforms for regional and global networking, MENALAC will continue to empower its members and elevate the industry. The newly elected board will also steer MENALAC's efforts to enhance the availability and reliability of market insights and data—enabling better decision-making across all segments of the industry. Through high-impact events, conferences, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, the Council aims to foster innovation and encourage excellence across the region's rapidly evolving attractions sector. As the L&E industry in the MENA region continues to grow and diversify, MENALAC stands ready to lead—championing the interests of its members and ensuring the region remains a vibrant, competitive, and globally recognised force in the world of leisure and entertainment. The MENALAC Board for 2025-2026 is as follows: Mr. Alwalid Al Baltan, Chairman & Founder, Rafeeh Entertainment Group - President of MENALAC, KSA Mr. Silvio Liedtke, CEO, Landmark Leisure - Vice-President of MENALAC, GCC Mr. Janardana Dattakumar, Director of Operations, Antic's Land – Treasurer of MENALAC, UAE Mr. Fahad Al Obailan, Group CEO, BAAN Holding, MENA Mr. Kareem Fayed, General Manager Entertainment Operation, Al Othaim Entertainment, MENA Mr. Peter Stubbs, Vice President - Technical Services | Project Delivery | Sustainability, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, MENA Sheikha Monira Al Sabah, CEO, Play Enterprises, Kuwait Ms Shifa Yusuffali, CEO, Ideacrate Edutainment, UAE Mr. Mohammed Alhinai, Managing Director, FunZone Oman, Oman Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, CEO, Seef Properties B.S.C., Bahrain Mr. Ahmad Kamel, CEO, Fawasel Advanced for Entertainment and Tourism, KSA Mr. Antoine Zgheib, Executive Director, Saudi Entertainment Venture (SEVEN), KSA Mr. Hussain Abdul Fatah Marafi, CEO, Fun Zone Park Kuwait (HM International Holding), Kuwait Mr. Prakash Vivekanand, Founder & Managing Director, The Zone Amusement Arcade, UAE Mr. Hassan Ahmed, Executive Director, Adventure World Entertainment, KSA Mr. Davide Camaiora, Managing Director, VIVATICKET, MENA Ms. Renee Welsh, CEO, EMBED & Booking Boss, MENA
