Qatar pushes sustainable farming as self-sufficiency hits 99% for poultry, dairy

Qatar is intensifying its efforts to bolster food security through sustainable agricultural practices and innovation, with domestic production now covering 99 percent of national demand for fresh poultry and dairy products, the Ministry of Municipality has announced.

Self-sufficiency milestones

In a statement issued ahead of World Food Day on 16 October, the ministry outlined steps to boost local food output, conserve natural resources and cut environmental harm, in line with the objectives of Qatar’s National Food Security Strategy 2030. Self-sufficiency indicators for 2025 showed that local production also satisfied 67 percent of demand for fresh fish and 47 percent for basic vegetables.

Infrastructure and tech upgrades

The ministry said Qatar is developing more efficient and sustainable food production systems, including the construction of 96 hectares of cooled greenhouses, with a target to raise productivity by 30 percent. Additional initiatives include improving fish farming technologies, introducing modern smart irrigation systems, expanding the use of alternative energy and strengthening plant and animal biosecurity.

Qatar is also working to make its food supply chains more resilient through digital management of strategic reserves, early-warning systems for supply chain disruptions, investment in green food production and refrigerated supply networks.

Reducing waste and going digital

A national programme to reduce food loss and waste, along with digital platforms for licensing and project monitoring, forms part of the broader effort to improve efficiency across the food sector.

Research into bio-based farming

The ministry highlighted research by its Agricultural Research Department into bio-based farming techniques, which tested the use of mycorrhizal fungi to improve crop growth. The trials recorded a 10-percent increase in plant growth and crop productivity compared with conventional farming, alongside improvements in soil properties and reduced reliance on chemical inputs.

The ministry said combining biological farming methods with modern approaches, including protected, hydroponic and vertical farming, could improve the efficient use of water and other resources while reducing waste. Such techniques could also help local farms adapt to Qatar’s desert climate and changing environmental conditions, supporting a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.

The ministry stressed that food security depends not only on increasing production but also on adopting responsible farming practices that protect natural resources and meet the needs of present and future generations.