Baku:Qatar is intensifying its efforts to bolster food security through sustainable agricultural practices, with domestic production now meeting 99% of the nation's demand for fresh poultry and dairy products, as reported by the Ministry of Municipality.
According to Qatar News Agency, the ministry outlined various initiatives aimed at enhancing local food production, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impacts. These efforts are in alignment with the goals set by Qatar's National Food Security Strategy 2030, as highlighted in a statement released ahead of World Food Day on October 16.
In addition to poultry and dairy, Qatar's self-sufficiency indicators for 2025 reveal that domestic production covers 67% of the demand for fresh fish and 47% for basic vegetables. The ministry is working on developing more efficient and sustainable food production systems, which include the establishment of 96 hectares of cooled greenhouses to boost productivity by 30%.
Further initiatives involve enhancing fish farming technologies, implementing modern smart irrigation systems, utilizing alternative energy sources, and strengthening biosecurity for plants and animals. Qatar is also focusing on enhancing the resilience of its food supply chains through digital management of strategic reserves, early-warning systems for supply chain disruptions, and investment in green food production and refrigerated supply networks.
A national program to reduce food loss and waste, alongside digital platforms for licensing and project monitoring, is part of a broader strategy to improve the efficiency of the food sector. The ministry also highlighted research conducted by its Agricultural Research Department into bio-based farming techniques, which have shown a 10% increase in plant growth and crop productivity compared to conventional methods.
By combining biological farming methods with modern approaches such as protected, hydroponic, and vertical farming, Qatar aims to use water and other resources more efficiently while reducing waste. These techniques are expected to help local farms adapt to the desert climate and changing environmental conditions, fostering a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
The ministry emphasized that achieving food security requires not only increased production but also the adoption of responsible farming practices that protect natural resources for current and future generations.