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Santhosh Chandran
Doha
Availability of local vegetables is expected to reach new highs this month as harvesting is in full swing on farms all over the country, with prices expected to drop.
Several 'farm markets' and 'weekend markets' have come up across the country selling farm fresh, organic vegetables. The weekend markets will continue to offer fresh vegetables to citizens and residents until June.
This season is also witnessing a wider participation from expatriate communities in vegetable farming, as they understand the need to support Qatar during an unjust siege.
Wholesale dealers expect a drop in vegetable prices this month with increased arrival of local produce in the markets.
In an effort to help Qatar achieve self-sufficiency in food production, expatriate communities took up extensive farming this season in areas such as Al Shahaniya, Umm Slal Ali and Al Khor.
They are growing all kinds of vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, tomato, beetroot and carrot as well as leafy vegetables. These are available in 'farm markets' at reasonable prices.
Speaking to Qatar Tribune, Ramala Samad, an expatriate who coordinates the cultivation and harvest on a farm at Al Shahaniya, said,"We expect three-fold increase in vegetable production this year. As part of efforts to support Qatar's food self-sufficiency drive, we have brought a wider area of land under cultivation, in association with local farmer Muhammed al Dosari. A large number of people, including retailers and individuals approach us for garden-fresh organic vegetables. The demand for vegetables is expected to rise in the coming weeks."
An wholesale vendor in Central Market said,"Local supply of vegetables has seen considerable growth in the last couple of weeks. As the harvest season hits its peak by the end of January, we expect a further increase in the supply of local produce to the markets and a considerable drop in vegetable prices."
Leading retail chains like Al Meera and Lulu Hypermarket have set up exclusive stalls for local vegetables.
Muhammed al Dosari, who offered land and other facilities to the expatriates for farming, said,"We are taking all possible steps to increase the production of vegetables with the support of the Agricultural Department. The department has begun registering the result of this year's farming."
Dosari and leaders of various Indian community organisations recently attended the first harvest of the farming initiated by an Indian group 'Adukkalathottam'.
