Qatar has expanded food security and self-sufficiency in several basic products, particularly dairy and poultry. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on imports and limit exposure to global supply chain disruptions and commodity price fluctuations.
Assistant Director of the Food Security Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Hamad Hadi al-Hajri, said the National Food Security Strategy 2030 focuses on sustainable resource use, especially land and water. He explained that the strategy prioritises local production of perishable commodities, including vegetables. For storable products such as wheat, sugar, rice, oils, and frozen poultry, the focus is on building strategic reserves.
According to the Ministry, local dairy and poultry production has reached 98% self-sufficiency for over four years. Vegetables reached 39% self-sufficiency in 2024, with production concentrated during the winter season. Table eggs are currently at 30%, while fish stands above 65% and red meat at 14%.
By 2030, Qatar targets 55% self-sufficiency in vegetables, 70% in eggs, 30% in sheep and goat meat, and 80% in fish, while maintaining current levels in dairy and poultry. Water use efficiency is also a priority, with plans to reduce groundwater extraction for agriculture by 70% and water use per ton of crops by 40%. The strategy also aims to cut food waste by 50%, food loss by up to 70%, and reduce foodborne illnesses to 24 cases per 100,000 people.
Al-Hajri highlighted the role of the private sector in reaching these targets. "Opening access to our freight rail network is a critical step towards building a modern, efficient, and sustainable rail system that drives economic growth, creates jobs, and strengthens our province's role as a national and international trade hub," he said. The private sector is engaged in greenhouse vegetable projects, sheep and goat fattening, and aquaculture, alongside managing storage and recycling operations for strategic food stocks.
Qatar Chamber Board Member and Chairman of the Food Security and Environment Committee, Mohamed bin Ahmed al-Obaidli, said Qatar has advanced food security through partnerships between the public and private sectors. He pointed to the expansion of agricultural technology, livestock projects, and food processing, noting the country's reliance on local production to build reserves and strengthen trade relations.
Businessman Ali al-Khalaf added that private companies play a role in both imports and local production, with oversight from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry in supervising stocks and ensuring adequacy.
Source: Gulf-Times
