Qatar has marked a significant step forward in food security, with domestic farms covering up to 98% of the nation’s vegetable demand during peak harvest months, according to the Ministry of Municipality.
Youssef Khalid Al-Khulaifi, Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department, reported that local farms supplied 98% of cucumbers, 96% of eggplants and zucchinis, and 82% of tomatoes during top production periods. In some months, coverage reached 100%, all while maintaining consistently high quality across markets.
“These figures demonstrate the strength of our agricultural sector and its critical role in food security, price stability, and reducing reliance on imports,” Al-Khulaifi stated. He noted that this progress supports the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the presence of locally grown products in Qatar’s markets.
Al-Khulaifi emphasized continued collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which has been instrumental in boosting the value and competitiveness of Qatari produce.
As part of broader modernization efforts, the Ministry is implementing a digital agriculture platform to centralize data on food production and marketing, supporting evidence-based policy decisions and long-term sustainability planning.
This digital initiative represents a major advancement for the sector and is aligned with the National Food Security Strategy 2030, which targets a 50% increase in land productivity and aims to ensure reliable access to safe, high-quality food at reasonable prices.
The strategy rests on three pillars: enhancing local production and domestic markets; strengthening emergency preparedness through reserves and early warning systems; and expanding international trade and investment to diversify supply chains.
The Ministry’s 2024 annual report confirms that local farm owners remain vital to national stability, helping Qatar build a flexible and resilient food system capable of adapting to global challenges.
Source: The Peninsula
