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Hisham Aljundi
Doha
Qatar has allocated QR105 million to support farmers, livestock breeders and fish farmers in the country as part of its efforts to achieve food security, Minister of Municipality and Environment HE Mohammed bin Abdullah al Rumaihi said on Thursday.
He was speaking at a function organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) to honour farm owners, livestock breeders, fish farmers, fishermen and agricultural companies in recognition of their role in supporting the local production.
Qatar is committed to supporting the agricultural sector to achieve food security for the country, in line with the directives of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani to strengthen the role of Qatari farms and agricultural companies as well as to increase domestic production and reduce imports, especially on account of the unjust blockade imposed on the state, the minister said.
As a result of the government's efforts, local production of vegetables has increased from 50,000 tonnes during the year before the blockade to about 65,000 tonnes post-blockade, an increase of 30 percent, Rumaihi pointed out.
Qatar has achieved 100 percent self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh poultry. The production of dairy and dairy products has increased from 60,000 tonnes to about 220,000 tonnes, a jump of more than 265 percent.
Fresh poultry production increased from 10,000 tonnes to about 22,000 tonnes -- an increase of 120 percent -- while the production of eggs went up from 4,000 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes, a leap of more than 150 percent.
"In order to support farmers, a company for marketing of agricultural produce has been established, which will collect fresh produce from farmers and carry out all the necessary marketing operations until it reaches the consumers. This measure is expected to raise the efficiency of marketing of Qatari agricultural products and increase the profit of Qatari farms," the minister said.
He added that the registered farms in the country will be supported by providing green houses and other requirements including seeds, fertilisers, pesticides and containers for vegetables and dates. Honeybee cells will be distributed to registered farms, while the livestock breeders will be supported by concentrated animal feeds, vaccines and wool mowers.
Fish farms will be provided with refrigerators and ice to keep the fish fresh, the minister added.
At the end of the ceremony, Rumaihi and Assistant Undersecretary of Agriculture and Fisheries Affairs Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser al Thani handed over certificates of appreciation to 42 local producers.
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19/10/2018
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