‘Qatar’s agricultural and food security strategy to help achieve self-sufficiency’

He said local production, which reduces the gap between production and local consumption, raises the level of self-sufficiency in agricultural products. He...

He said local production, which reduces the gap between production and local consumption, raises the level of self-sufficiency in agricultural products.He said Qatar enjoys a comparative advantage in its production, taking into consideration the preservation and sustainable development of the Qatari environment and its preservation for future generations on the one hand, and the country’s natural resources, especially those related to the elements of land and water, on the other hand.The Minister of Municipality pointed out that sustainable development can only come through the development of policies and plans based on well-studied scientific foundations, so that sound decisions are taken that encourage the process of economic progress in the country.He said the strategy of agriculture and food security in the country is based on achieving self-sufficiency and this was inspired by the lofty vision of the wise leadership and Qatar National Vision 2030, which works to achieve self-sufficiency in the state in all aspects of food, by holding international exhibitions that are a forum for farmers, producers, those interested, production companies and consumers.He noted, in this context, that the past period witnessed concerted efforts to advance agricultural production in the country, which contributed to the Qatari agricultural sector achieving great successes during the recent period.It also made great strides in order to provide the strategic reserve of food commodities, which contributed to ensuring that Qatar was not exposed to any shortage of food in the event of crises, disasters and regional and international changes.He said, “Qatar proves the strength of its food system, securing food supplies, ensuring its safety and the use of renewable energies to apply best practices to develop the agricultural sector, make better use of limited natural resources, strive to preserve the environment, work to stabilize agricultural food products markets, develop investment in the agricultural and fish fields, and provide guarantees for the private sector to invest in this field.”He said that these efforts culminated in Qatar obtaining first place in the Gulf and Arab countries, and 24th place in the Global Food Security Index 2021.The agricultural exhibition was considered one of the most important events aimed at disseminating modern technology in the agricultural sector, as well as being a forum for a large number of international agricultural companies working in various agricultural fields, plant, animal and fisheries, and an excellent opportunity to get acquainted closely with the new in all agricultural fields. He expressed confidence in the distinguished role of the exhibition in raising the level of agricultural technology used in Qatar, which contributes to raising productivity and preserving the country’s natural resources.It is noteworthy that the agricultural and environmental exhibitions witness the participation of more than 650 local and international companies from the sectors of agriculture, environment, food and animal production, and nearly 50 countries through their embassies and commercial offices in Doha.The agricultural and environmental exhibitions attract wide attention in light of the vital agricultural projects and the promising investment opportunities that Qatar abounds in, and in light of the unlimited government support to stimulate agricultural, livestock and fish production, enhance the marketing of national agricultural products, and the widespread interest in protecting the environment and preserving all its components and elements.