Qatar's popular farmer's markets will open for their fourth season this Thursday offering locally produced fruits, vegetables, poultry, and fish.

It's strange that a farmer's market should make news, but in Qatar, one of the least food secure nations on earth, a farmer's market is a big deal.

The markets are located at the Al Mazrouah Yard in Umm Salal, Al Khor and Al Wakrah. All three markets in Qatar will operate only Thursdays to Saturdays from 7am to 5pm, the Ministry of Environment (MOE) has announced.

This year, more than 70 produce farms will be participating including one specializing in organic products. There will also be eight fish vendors, 40 livestock barns, 80 beekeepers and 12 poultry farms in total.

Residents claim prices in the market ca be 40 to 50 percent lower than retail rates.

Stalls at the farmer's market are given to the vendors for free, to encourage them to sell their products and help them make a profit, said Abdul Rahman Al Sulaiti, general manager of the farmer's market at MOE.

While the market is a great way of supporting the livelihood of local farmers, it is also a great way to improve Qatar's food security.

The farmer's market bypasses the middleman and allow residents to purchase fresh produce without any additional costs.

The central market that has been operating in Al Mamoura will still carry local produce, but visiting the farmer's market provides the privilege of shaking your farmer's hand.

More information and directions to the markets can be found on Al Mazrouah Yard's Facebook page.

Photo Credit: Mohammed Noorudeen