CHAIRMAN: DR. KHALID BIN THANI AL THANI
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DR. KHALID BIN MUBARAK AL-SHAFI

Views /Editorial

Fostering food security and sustainability

Published: 29 Jul 2023 - 08:39 am | Last Updated: 25 Sep 2025 - 05:41 pm

 

In the pursuit of enhancing its capabilities, promoting food security, and confronting the challenges of climate change, Qatar has displayed a firm commitment to making a positive impact on the global stage.

Minister of Municipality, H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, has emphasised the strategic partnership between Qatar and the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a critical channel for supporting vulnerable communities.

He said this in a speech during a panel discussion held as part of the United Nations Food Systems Summit in the capital city of Rome, Italy.By leveraging its collaboration with the FAO, Qatar has been instrumental in building the resilience of rural populations in Somalia against the adverse effects of climate change.

Key initiatives include bolstering water access and management systems, providing vital training programs for small-scale farmers and herders, and prioritising the inclusion of marginalised groups, such as women and youth, in the agricultural sector.

These efforts have not only alleviated immediate challenges but have also paved the way for sustainable development in regions plagued by environmental uncertainties.

In a recent demonstration of its commitment to supporting local production and achieving food security, Qatar opened the eighth edition of the Souq Waqif Local Dates Festival.

The festival serves as a testament to the nation’s unwavering dedication to fostering local products, particularly dates, which hold immense cultural and economic significance.

The event also highlights Qatar’s efforts to develop the agricultural sector, strengthen palm tree cultivation, and provide support to farm owners invested in this vital industry. Furthermore, the festival showcases a remarkable range of 14 date varieties, a testament to Qatar’s progress in agricultural diversity.

Meanwhile, in a recent development and to ensure agricultural productivity even during the challenging summer months in the country, the Ministry of Municipality has taken a proactive step by providing greenhouses to farmers.

This initiative, which grants greenhouses free of charge to productive farms based on their classifications, has been lauded as an effective means of extending the agricultural season and facilitating year-round production.

By empowering farmers with essential resources and expert supervision from the Agricultural Affairs Department, Qatar has succeeded in bolstering agricultural output and fortifying its food security measures.

Qatar’s multifaceted approach to food security and sustainability not only demonstrates its commitment to addressing the global challenges of climate change but also serves as a beacon of hope for nations striving to secure a prosperous and resilient future for their citizens.

The country’s collaboration with the FAO, its support for local agricultural production, and its provision of greenhouses to farmers exemplify the kind of proactive action that is essential in securing the well-being of present and future generations