Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani, Assistant Under-Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities and Environment, has revealed two major agricultural projects to continue the production of vegetables round-the-year that will increase the self-sufficiency of Qatar.
“We have two big projects on state level that will contribute in increasing the agricultural production remarkably and continue throughout the year,” said Al Thani while speaking at a Rayan TV talk show. “We want to ensure production through out the year,” said Al Thani.
He said that with entering in third month of this season, the agricultural production increased about 60 percent from 21 percent last year.
He said that during agricultural season production of some vegetables used to reach very close to self-sufficiency like cucumbers and tomatoes that achieved about 100 percent and upto 60 percent self-sufficiency respectively during the season.
“There are 9,00 productive farms with the agricultural area measuring 11,000 hectors,” said Al Thani.
He said that now local products are available in the market. The market is stable and the prices of vegetables have started falling. Good quality vegetables from local farms are available in the market.
“With the implementation of new projects and turning more farms into productive, we will be able to meet a big portion of the need of local market,” said Al Thani adding that if local production would achieve 60 to 70 percent self sufficiency that will be great achievement.
Regarding the market share of local poultry production, Al Thani said local production of fresh chicken increased 99 percent of total consumption of the country from 50 percent before blockade. “During first quarter (Q1) of 2018 we will achieve more than 100 percent self-sufficiency in the production of fresh chicken,” said Al Thani.
He said that Qatar also achieved about 30 percent self-sufficiency in egg production and plans are afoot to increase the production about 55 percent soon.
Regarding dairy products, Assistant Under-Secretary said that the production of milk is increasing on daily basis.
“Local milk production started meeting 72 percent of total consumption of Qatar from merely 17 percent before blockade. In less than six months, Qatar will achieve self-sufficiency in milk production over 100 percent,” said Al Thani.
Regarding livestock, he said that animal production increased 20 percent totalling 1.4 million animals including sheep, goat, cow and camels.
“Plans are afoot to increase the strategic reserve of Qatar’s livestock to six months,” said Al Thani.
The Peninsula Qatar
02-01-2018
