In an effort to augment Qatar’s farm production and achieve food security, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is joining hands with Qatar Chamber to set up a farmers’ co-operative.
The trend-setting initiative was announced by HE the Minister of Economy and Commerce Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin Mohamed al-Thani at a press conference yesterday.
He said the initiative was aimed at promoting Qatar’s agriculture sector and attaining self-sufficiency in food production.
Sheikh Ahmed said HH the Emir had given directives to motivate the private sector and equip it to work with the public sector, “thereby facilitating investments in agriculture and finding practical solutions to tackle food security challenges”.
A fund will be set up to provide loans to members of the co-operative.
The minister said Qataris above 18 could register as founding members of the farmers’ co-operative. “The ministry will ensure full transparency in the process.”
Besides arranging exhibitions and conducting training programmes, the co-operative will provide farmers equipment needed and material for agricultural production.
The ministry said it would work closely with “the entities concerned in the country to supervise and control of all stages of the food supply chain, from production until display at the commercial outlets”. This is being done to guarantee quality and maintain prices.
The minister stressed the importance of working with educational institutions and research bodies, both local and international, to conduct studies and develop the necessary infrastructure for the local farm sector and boost existing projects.
Qatar Chamber chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim al-Thani said that more focus was needed on the country’s farm sector which, he said, had “long suffered marginalisation”.
He pointed out that there was a significant decline in areas under cultivation in the country. “A strategic plan is needed to address problems being faced by farm-owners in the country and bring more areas under cultivation in Qatar.”
The press conference was attended by HE the Minister of Environment Ahmed Amer Mohamed al-Humaidi.
Farmers’ co-operative registration can be done at http://farmers.mec.qa while more details can be had either from info@mec.gov.qa or 40122664.