Local vegetables set to flood market as ‘Qatari farms undergo massive expansion’

The illegal siege of Qatar, which came into effect six months ago, had affected the flow of vegetables to Qatar’s markets.

However, local farms soon stepped up their game and the results are now there for everyone to see. For the first time since the siege, there is an abundance of fresh local vegetables like bottle gourds, eggplants, cucumbers and leafy vegetables in the Qatari market, reported Qatar Tribune.

Qatar had overcome the shortage of vegetables by enhancing imports from existing markets other than the Saudi-led bloc and also finding new markets. But more importantly, local farms expanded with the help of state support and they have now started producing enough to meet local demand.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, wholesalers at the Central Vegetable Market said the market will be able to meet 100% demand of many of the vegetables in Qatar in near future owing to the ‘expansion of existing farms.’

The expansion of farms ahead of harvest season has proved to be a boon for the country as local vegetables are set to flood the market in the coming days. 

“Local farms underwent a massive expansion of cultivation area after the crisis in order to meet the requirements of the local market, and it has started paying dividends. Locally produced vegetables, currently, meet 30 to 40% needs of Qatar’s market. The supply will further increase when harvest season reaches its peak in the middle of December,” said the manager of a leading vegetable and fruits wholesaler.

Farmers in Al Shahaniya, Al Khor, Umm Slal Ali and Abu Samra have already started harvesting the vegetables and also established a strong supply network with local markets, including the Central Market and hotel chains.

The Central Market has created a special platform for local vegetables to promote them. The leading hypermarkets in Doha have also created spaces for local organic products.

Picture courtesy: Qatar Tribune