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Doha, Qatar: Local farms are fully prepared for the new agricultural season, with the Ministry of Municipality projecting a 5–10% increase in production compared to previous years.
The boost reflects a combination of improved weather conditions, enhanced farmer expertise, and strong government support, including modern machinery, high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and technical guidance.
Head of the Agricultural Development Section at the Ministry of Municipality, Ahmed Salem Al-Yafei, explained that farm preparation begins with soil readiness, irrigation network maintenance, and careful selection of seeds and fertilizers.
Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that farmers have also adopted early planting practices, leading to the early availability of crops such as cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, leafy greens, and soon, tomatoes. Locally produced crops are now considered superior in quality and freshness compared to imported produce.
Modern agricultural technologies, including controlled-environment farming and cooling systems, enable year-round production while reducing operational costs. Moderate weather conditions this year are expected to further enhance crop growth and minimise energy usage in cooling systems, allowing farmers to achieve even greater efficiency.
These technologies also help protect crops during hotter months, ensuring that fresh produce remains available even in traditionally challenging periods.
The Ministry has introduced fast-track agricultural services, delivering machinery to farms within three working days at subsidised rates.
This service includes plowing, soil levelling, and mechanised preparation for planting, allowing farmers to begin the season quickly and efficiently. Over 15 certified suppliers provide seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides through a coupon-based system tailored to farmers’ needs, ensuring they have access to high-quality inputs throughout the year. Advisory engineers regularly visit farms to guide farmers on crop management, pest control, and soil care, ensuring best practices are followed for maximum productivity.
Workshops and training programmes have increased farmer knowledge on optimal planting times, correct fertilizer and pesticide usage, and best practices for crop management. Farmers are now better equipped to manage early planting, select the right crop varieties, and use technologies such as cooled greenhouses to improve yield. “Farmer awareness and knowledge exchange are among the most important factors for achieving high-quality production,” Al-Yafei said. This education has helped farmers optimise their output while maintaining sustainable practices.
This season has already seen early crop production, with many vegetables reaching local markets ahead of schedule. The high quality and freshness of local produce are increasingly recognised by consumers, helping build trust in Qatari agricultural products. Al-Yafei emphasised that the combination of early planting, modern technologies, and continuous support has created favourable conditions for a successful and abundant season.
The Ministry’s efforts aim not only to increase production but also to reinforce Qatar’s goal of self-sufficiency in food supply. The increased availability of high-quality local produce reduces dependence on imports and ensures that consumers have reliable access to fresh and safe agricultural products. “With the Ministry’s continuous oversight and support, we are confident that this season will deliver abundant, high-quality produce for local markets throughout the year,” Al-Yafei said.
Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to continue expanding farmer training programmes and improving access to modern technologies. Advisory engineers will remain actively involved to provide guidance, monitor production quality, and ensure sustainable farming practices. By combining government support, technological advancement, and farmer expertise, Qatar’s agricultural sector is poised for continued growth and long-term sustainability.
