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Santhosh Chandran
Doha
WITH fresh local vegetables such as bottle gourds, eggplants, cucumbers and leafy vegetables in good supply at the Qatari market, vegetable lovers are breathing a sigh of relief after six months of siege imposed on Qatar by some of its neighbouring countries.
The supply of vegetables was disrupted for a short while following the sudden blockade on June 5, but Qatar succeeded in avoiding a crisis-like situation by enhancing imports from existing markets other than the Saudi-led bloc and also finding new markets.
Besides, with support from the Government of Qatar and government entities concerned, Qatari farmers expanded their farms to increase production of vegetables in order to meet the local demand and achieve self-sufficiency in due course.
Talking to Qatar Tribune recently, wholesalers at the Central Vegetable Market said that the market will be able to meet 100 percent demand of many of the vegetables in Qatar in near future owing to the"expansion of the existing farms".
According to local vegetable suppliers, the expansion of farms ahead of harvest season has proved to be a boon for the country, as local vegetables are set to flood the market in the coming days.
A manager of a leading vegetable and fruits wholesaler said,"Local farms underwent a massive expansion of cultivation area after the crisis in order to meet the requirements of the local market, and it has started paying dividends. Locally produced vegetables, currently, meet 30 to 40 percent needs of Qatar's market. The supply will further increase when harvest season reaches its peak in the middle of December."
It is noteworthy that the farmers in Al Shahaniya, Al Khor, Umm Slal Ali and Abu Samra have already started harvesting the vegetables and also established a strong supply network with local markets, including the Central Market and hotel chains.
"The harvest of many varieties including cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes, potatoes, chilies and leafy vegetables has already kicked off," a manager of a farm at Al Khor told Qatar Tribune.
Mohamed, in-charge of plantation at a farm in Al Shahaniya, said,"We are targeting 300 percent increase in production of vegetables this winter. We got the required infrastructure too, such as highly equipped irrigation facilities and sufficient workforce. The supply network with Doha Central Market and many hotel chains has also become strong and stable."
A truck driver, who transports vegetable supplies to the Central Market in Doha said,"The bare, dry farms spread over several square kilometres on the way to Abu Samra have suddenly turned green with cultivation of vegetables."
An employee of a vegetable farm in Al Khor said,"Currently, we are supplying two truckloads of vegetables, which include eggplants, cucumbers and a wide variety of leafy vegetables to local market every day. Once the winter harvest reaches its peak, the supply will increase further."
It is worth mentioning that the Central Market has created a special platform for local vegetables to promote them. The leading hypermarkets in Doha have also created spaces for local organic products.
