Desert nation Qatar will use "cutting-edge technology" to
grow up to 70 per cent of its own vegetables by 2023 -- a
four-fold increase, officials from Doha's biggest agricultural
group said Tuesday.
The prediction comes after a successful two-year trial of
the Zulal Oasis hydroponics project, which saw tomatoes
grown in greenhouses without soil and using recycled
irrigation water, by Hassad Food on farmland west of the
capital, Doha.
A spokesperson for Hassad said the scheme could now be
rolled out and could allow the country to register the huge
increase in production of its own vegetables within eight
years.
Currently, between 11 and 16 per cent of vegetables are
grown locally, depending on the season.
The trial focused on tomatoes but could be used to grow
other popular vegetables in Qatar, including cucumbers,
aubergines and courgettes.
"We are pleased to announce that this pilot project has
achieved great success," said Nasser Mohamed al-Hajri,
chairman and managing director of Hassad Food.
"The technology proved to be perfectly suited for Qatar's
climate; it also exceeded expectations regarding the yield
and quality.
"The Zulal Oasis technology is a long-term sustainable
production model, with the capability of producing high-
grade crops 12 months a year regardless of the season."
Food security is a big issue for Qatar, which imports the
vast majority of its needs.
A National Food Security programme, designed to increase
Qatar's and food self-sufficiency, was launched in 2013 and
will continue until 2030.
grow up to 70 per cent of its own vegetables by 2023 -- a
four-fold increase, officials from Doha's biggest agricultural
group said Tuesday.
The prediction comes after a successful two-year trial of
the Zulal Oasis hydroponics project, which saw tomatoes
grown in greenhouses without soil and using recycled
irrigation water, by Hassad Food on farmland west of the
capital, Doha.
A spokesperson for Hassad said the scheme could now be
rolled out and could allow the country to register the huge
increase in production of its own vegetables within eight
years.
Currently, between 11 and 16 per cent of vegetables are
grown locally, depending on the season.
The trial focused on tomatoes but could be used to grow
other popular vegetables in Qatar, including cucumbers,
aubergines and courgettes.
"We are pleased to announce that this pilot project has
achieved great success," said Nasser Mohamed al-Hajri,
chairman and managing director of Hassad Food.
"The technology proved to be perfectly suited for Qatar's
climate; it also exceeded expectations regarding the yield
and quality.
"The Zulal Oasis technology is a long-term sustainable
production model, with the capability of producing high-
grade crops 12 months a year regardless of the season."
Food security is a big issue for Qatar, which imports the
vast majority of its needs.
A National Food Security programme, designed to increase
Qatar's and food self-sufficiency, was launched in 2013 and
will continue until 2030.
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