Qatar has been takings several steps to ensure its food safety following an illegal blockade by its neighbouring GCC and Arab countries.

The biggest food story of the blockade broke when a Qatari businessman first spoke about airlifting 4,000 cows from around the world in a bid to ensure Qatar’s self dependency for milk products.

And now, the day has finally arrived when the first batch of cows have landed at the Hamad International Airport, according to Gulf Times. 

The first shipment, containing 165 cows sourced from Germany and flown via Budapest, has landed and are ready to produce milk immediately, according to the report.

Milk products from the cows, which were received by indigenous dairy company Baladna, are expected to reach local market shelves this week, reported Qatar Tribune, quoting a spokesperson for Power International Holding, the company importing the animals.

Other shipments of cows from Australia and the US are expected to arrive every three days. By the time the extensive operation ends, around 4,000 cows are expected to be in Qatar.

The move is expected to help make the country self sufficient in milk products within the next nine months. The imported cows will be able to produce enough milk to take care of 30% of the country’s local needs.

While Turkey and Iran have been helping Qatar attain food security by exporting food products in, local companies have also stepped up their A-Games to keep the country supplied.