Qatar has reached full self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry production, with significant strides made in other key animal products, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Municipality.
In remarks to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Eng. Abdulaziz Al Zeyara, Director of the Animal Resources Department, stated that the country has achieved advanced levels of self-reliance in the animal resources sector, supported by modern infrastructure and comprehensive veterinary services, contributing to enhanced national food security.
Al Zeyara noted that annual domestic production currently stands at approximately 202,000 tons of dairy products, 25,000 tons of fresh poultry meat, 16,000 tons of table eggs, and 9,000 tons of red meat. He emphasized that Qatar has achieved 100% self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry, 34% in table eggs, and around 15% in red meat.
As of the end of December 2024, the country’s livestock population reached approximately 1.1 million heads, consisting of 60% sheep, 29% goats, 3% cattle, and 8% camels. In terms of health safeguards, Al Zeyara highlighted the ongoing epidemiological monitoring conducted in coordination with the Ministry of Public Health, alongside strict inspection procedures at all land, sea, and air entry points.
The ministry also provides substantial support to breeders, including free veterinary services—both preventive and curative—advisory support, and potable water provisions tailored to the type and number of animals. Additionally, a feed subsidy covers up to 70% of fodder components, with concentrated feed also supplied in kind to productive farms.
Addressing the issue of imports, Al Zeyara affirmed that reliance has significantly decreased: it is now minimal for dairy and fresh poultry products, reduced for table eggs, but remains high for red meat. The ministry is actively working to reduce this dependency by supporting the traditional livestock sector, raising awareness among breeders, organizing local meat sales in partnership with Widam Food Company, allocating land for sheep breeding and fattening, and extending both technical and regulatory support to private sector investors.
Currently, Qatar has 48 licensed animal production projects, 32 of which are operational and 16 under development. These include two poultry farms for table egg production, one project for collecting local eggs, and 13 livestock projects focused on red meat. Of the latter, six are based on private farms, while the remaining seven are being built on land near Izab complexes.
(Source: QNA)
