Qatar targets sustainable food production as self-sufficiency reaches 99% for fresh poultry and dairy

Doha, Qatar is ramping up its commitment to sustainable food production amid a self-sufficiency rate of 99% for fresh poultry and dairy products, according to the Ministry of Municipality. Ahead of World Food Day on October 16, the ministry outlined a series of initiatives to bolster local food production, protect natural resources, and minimize environmental impacts as part of its National Food Security Strategy 2030.

Qatar's domestic production of fresh poultry and dairy presently meets 99% of its needs, with similar coverage for fresh fish at 67% and vegetables at 47% of demand by 2025. To enhance food production systems, the ministry is constructing 96 hectares of cooled greenhouses, aiming to increase productivity by 30%. Other strategies include upgrading fish farming techniques, adopting smart irrigation systems, and expanding the use of renewable energy.

Efforts are also focused on strengthening food supply chains with digital tools for managing reserves, early-warning systems for disruptions, investments in green food production, and improved refrigerated networks. A national program to cut food loss and waste, coupled with digital platforms for licensing and project monitoring, is also underway to boost sector efficiency.

Research from the Agricultural Research Department found that mycorrhizal fungi applied in bio-based farming methods can boost plant growth by 10% and crop productivity compared to conventional practices. These findings suggest that integrating biological farming techniques with modern approaches like protected, hydroponic, and vertical farming could optimize resource use, reduce waste, and enhance resilience against Qatar's desert climate and environmental shifts.

The ministry emphasizes that sustainable food security requires both increased production and responsible farming practices that safeguard natural resources for all generations.