Winter markets in Qatar are well-stocked with locally produced vegetables, says official

As Qatar moves closer to achieving its targets for self-sufficiency in food, the production of local vegetables has seen a massive rise.

A senior official at Ministry of Municipality and Environment has affirmed that locally produced vegetables are available in abundance at the country’s different winter markets.

The official said there is no shortage of the locally-produced vegetables at winter markets located in Al Mazroua, Al Khor-Dakhira, Al Wakra and Al Shamal, reported The Peninsula.

On the closure of #WinterMarkets, the official said that they would be closed in May before #Ramadan because at that time temperature will increase significantly.#Qatar #QatarWinterMarket #LocalProducts #FreshVegetableshttps://t.co/rN7z8Cdl2s

— The Peninsula (@PeninsulaQatar) March 9, 2019

The markets offer fresh vegetables and poultry products received straight from the farms and sold to residents and citizens of Qatar at economical prices.

There is a big turnout of customers at these winter vegetable markets, which also serve as a platform for farmers to sell their products directly to the customers, the official highlighted.

“The aim of the winter markets is to support Qatari farmers by reducing their marketing costs, and encouraging small farms to redouble efforts to become more active,” he said.

The markets are expected to temporarily halt operations in May before Ramadan  due to high temperatures. They will open again for the next winter season 2019 – 2020 but the locations are yet to be determined, the official said.

Earlier last week, the Minister of Municipality and Environment, HE Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Bin Turki Al Subaie spoke with some owners of local farms to address any issues they may be facing and extend support to increased agricultural production.

HE the Minister acknowledged the Ministry of Municipalities and Environment for its endeavor to encourage owners of farms in the fields of plant, animal and fish to further develop their facilities and boost locally produced food items.

Additionally, Hamad Al Shahwani, Head of the Control and General Cleaning Section at Doha Municipality, also noted that there has been a great leap in the production of local vegetables since the unjust blockade was imposed on Qatar on June 5, 201, reported Gulf Times.

"This in turn reflected positively on stabilising the prices of many vegetables, with around 40% drop in prices. Besides, consumers are now more willing to buy locally produced varieties due to their good quality and pricing," he highlighted.

Have you been to any of these markets yet? Share your experience with us in the comments below!

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Cover Image Credit: Timeout Doha