Qatar seeks vegetable self-sufficiency in next 5 years

Qatar is striving to increase vegetable production with a five year plan to increase the country's self-sufficiency, according to the Minister of Municipality and Environment in Qatar, Mohamed bin Abdullah.

The plan, according to the minister, would be implemented in co-operation with farm owners and the Ministry of Economy and Commerce (MEC). Al-Rumaihi announced the plan on the sidelines of the launching of a programme for marketing “excellent” Qatari vegetables (‘Excellent Products’) at the Al Meera Consumer Complex in Hyatt Plaza.

He said Qatari produce provides the local market in some seasons with up to 80% of its needs. He also highlighted the ministry’s plans of fixing that percentage in all seasons, before raising it gradually to complete self-sufficiency by 2022.

The minister said the government is committed to supporting farms and helping them grow. He noted that investors who have growth plans will be backed by the ministry, which already provides support to producers whether technically, or by providing insecticides, as well as water and electricity.

source: gulf-times.com