When the illegal blockade was suddenly imposed on Qatar more than two years ago, one of the biggest concerns was the shortage of fresh food items that were sent to the country by Saudi Arabia and UAE.

However, with Turkey coming to the rescue in those initial days and local companies taking on the challenge putting their best foot forward, Qatar was quickly able to meet the needs of dairy and poultry products in the market.

With the support of the country's wise leadership and the unwavering efforts of local food production companies, Qatar was able to become completely self-sufficient in the dairy and poultry fields by early this year.

The country is now planning to export poultry when supply exceeds demand, Assistant Under-Secretary for Agriculture and Fishery Affairs at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Sheikh Dr Faleh bin Nasser Al Thani announced recently.

Qatar continues to successfully implement its strategy to achieve food security by focusing on the production of fresh goods in the environmental conditions that characterize Qatar, in terms of the area and resources available, Sheikh Dr Faleh said.

This came during a visit by Sheikh Dr Faleh to the National Group for Agricultural and Animal Production (Mazzraty), heading a delegation of agricultural sector officials in the ministry.

During the visit, farm officials shared a detailed explanation of the procedures followed per the highest standards of quality and health control with Sheikh Dr Faleh and the accompanying delegation.

He also looked at the performance of the project and its components, especially the laboratory, and the latest devices and techniques that were provided for use of quality control in all stages of the production process. 

الشيخ د. فالح بن ناصر آل ثاني وكيل الوزارة المساعد لشؤون الزراعة والثروة السمكية في تصريحات صحفية على هامش زيارة "مزرعتي":
تواصل دولة #قطر بنجاح تحقيق استراتيجيتها لتحقيق #الأمن_الغذائي بالتركيز على إنتاج السلع الطازجة التي يحتاجها المجتمع، ومن بينها منتجات مزارع الدواجن بالدولة. pic.twitter.com/cMUsLOVmPE

— وزارة البلدية والبيئة (@albaladiya) October 6, 2019

Sheikh Dr Faleh highlighted that currently, the local supply of dairy products is covering 109 percent of the market demand, while the supply of eggs covers 40 percent which is expected to increase in the future. 

Furthermore, he pointed out that demand for fresh products and chicken has been covered locally and that there are farms that want to export, some of which have already started in small quantities.

There is a possibility to export poultry and cheese products abroad, as well as farm-produced fish and shrimp, he mentioned.

He pointed to the Ministry of Municipality and Environment’s support to the owners of farms, through the establishment of local agricultural products selling areas.

The future plan for the agricultural sector is to focus on sustainable production, and maintain the quality of the products that do not consume large quantities of water, he said.

Mazzraty, in a short time, was able to manifest itself as a strong Qatari producer for its distinctive high-quality products of poultry and fodder, starting from the production of excellent quality of fodder through the modern factory that depends on the latest international technology. 

Chairman of Mazzraty, Abdulrahman Hamad Al Mana stressed that the visit of MME officials reflects support for the project and has an important role to play in promoting livestock and food production.

The ministry also has a qualified team and quick procedures to facilitate the import of necessary materials in this area, such as vaccinations and medicines, and conduct preventive measures.

He said that the modern laboratory visited represents the backbone of the company, and is characterized by being a laboratory and research center. It is an addition to the project, which ensures the quality of the final product and permanent health supervision.

Al Mana explained that ‘Mazzraty’ is currently working on the development of products to suit the wishes and tastes of consumers. 

He pointed out that a new product, Omega 3 chicken, will be introduced, as well as the product, 'Baby Chicken.'

Additionally, keeping up with the camping season, 'marinated chicken,' which will be ready to grill directly, will be introduced.

He stressed that Mazzraty is an environment-friendly project, taking into account all environmental standards, and is equipped with a mechanism that allows recycling of all products in the farm.

These include solar energy for lighting and water reuse, poultry residues, installation of thermal and gaseous emissions plants, as well as a fertilizer plant that collects all chicken waste and supplies it to the market.

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Cover Image Credit: Facebook/ Mazzraty

Source: QNA