Authorities reopen five seasonal vegetable markets featuring over 140 local farms
The Agricultural Affairs Department, functioning under Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality, has reopened all five seasonal vegetable markets for the 2023-24 season.
These markets will offer fresh vegetables and other produce from 140 local farms in large quantities.
“Over 140 local farms will participate in the markets, called yards, for selling local agricultural produce. The markets will operate in Al Mazrouah, Al Khor-Al Thakhira, Al Wakrah, Al Sheehaniya, and Al Shamal,” Ahmed Al Yafei, Head of Guidance and Services at the Agricultural Affairs Department was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.
The markets will sell farm produce directly to customers at very competitive prices, thanks to cutting out middlemen from the equation.
“The Al Mazrouah market, which operates inside a permanent structure, will work seven days a week. All other markets will work only on weekends, from Thursday to Saturday, between 7am and 3pm,” said Al Yafei.
The markets will offer customers all seasonal vegetables including cucumber, leafy vegetables, pumpkin, and beans. Tomatoes will become available as the season progresses. Qatar’s peak agricultural season runs from December until February.
“With the number of local farms going up, the seasonal markets are expected to sell 14,000 tonnes of vegetables this season, a 10 to 20 per cent increase from the previous year,” said Al Yafei.
Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality has been supporting Qatari farms with seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and equipment, as well as expert advice on best farming practices.
The markets are expected to provide a marketing platform for local farmers, putting them directly in touch with consumers.
The market produce will be strictly monitored to ensure it is pesticide-free and of high quality. Vegetable samples will be constantly taken to labs to ensure their quality.
The Agricultural Affairs Department has provided farmers with boxes for marketing vegetables, and stalls at the markets free of cost.
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Picture courtesy: The Peninsula
