QNA
Doha
The inauguration of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 represents a pivotal step in the process of enhancing Qatar’s ability to face current and future challenges in the field of food security, Minister of Municipality HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah has said, noting that this strategy reflects the vision of the wise leadership towards achieving sustainable development and enhancing food security.
In his remarks during the strategy’s inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, the minister said, "Qatar prioritises the agriculture and agricultural production sector, as it is one of the main pillars for achieving economic diversification and ensuring agricultural sustainability.”
He pointed out that the third national development strategy included a special axis on food and agriculture, aiming to develop sustainable agricultural technologies and increase local production, which contributes to rationalising resource consumption and enhancing food security.
Qatar has been keen to support local farm owners by launching various initiatives and agricultural support programmes, which have contributed to increasing the volume and quality of local agricultural production and enhancing the position of Qatari crops in the markets, he said.
"Qatar has also worked to develop a sustainable and flexible food system that keeps pace with global changes to ensure safe and sustainable food supplies, based on the consideration of food security as a basic right that enhances societal stability.”
Attiyah pointed out that the National Food Security Strategy 2018-2023 contributed to developing the local food system and enhancing the country’s ability to deal with global crises such as climate change, geopolitical crises, and supply chain disruptions, highlighting the importance of formulating flexible national strategies to deal with these challenges.
He highlighted that the new strategy is based on three main pillars. The first pillar is local production and local markets, which includes enhancing local production using modern and sustainable technologies to meet market needs. The second pillar is strategic reserves and early warning systems, which includes ensuring the continuity of food supplies in times of crisis by establishing food reserves and developing early warning systems. The third pillar is international trade and investment, which includes diversifying food supply sources by strengthening trade relations and strategic partnerships with producing countries.
The minister also noted that the strategy includes a series of initiatives to address the challenges facing farm and estate owners, including improving pricing mechanisms and developing procedures to protect local products and increase their competitiveness against imported products, which contributes to enhancing the economic returns of local producers.
He emphasised that achieving the goals of the National Food Security Strategy 2030 requires concerted efforts and continuous coordination between all concerned parties in the country.
He expressed confidence that Qatar, thanks to the directives of its wise leadership, will continue to achieve pioneering steps towards sustainable food security that meets the needs of the present and the future.