Economy

Seeds of Change

Made in Qatar

The “Made in [country]” label is a badge of honor that all nations aspire to. Qatar’s pursuit of this objective is yielding much food for thought.

Qatar lies in one of the world’s driest regions, the Arabian Peninsula, which experiences minimal average annual rainfall. Summer temperatures, exceeding 50°C at times, severely limit the availability of agricultural land. The World Bank estimates that Qatar’s arable land is just over 6%, well below the global average of 14.3%. Less arable land naturally leads to more imported food products, a trend the nation is actively working to reverse.

A major issue has been the overexploitation of available freshwater, particularly groundwater, 90% of which is used by local agriculture. With extraction rates exceeding replenishment, local aquifer levels have declined to the point where groundwater salinization threatens plant growth. When politics is added to the mix—such as the diplomatic crisis of 2017—the need for self-sufficiency through strategic partnerships and investments in advanced agricultural solutions becomes even more pressing. The objectives of Qatar’s 2018-2023 and 2023-2030 food security strategies, along with its third national development strategy, are in alignment with the broader sustainability goals of Qatar Vision 2030.

Sustainable agricultural practices are a long-term solution, and Qatar’s initiatives combining academia and business are addressing the over-exploitation of groundwater in agriculture. According to the 2023-2030 food security strategy, the Ministry of Municipality has set a goal to reduce water usage per ton of crops produced by 40% by 2030. Qatar aims to achieve this by using treated sewage effluent technology for 100% of fodder irrigation by that year, up from less than 30% in 2019.

The local agricultural sector, worth approximately USD170.95 million by official estimates, is poised to grow by 5%, reaching USD223.10 million by 2029. These projections, supported by on-the-ground initiatives, confirm the nation as a regional leader in the Global Food Security Index, which annually monitors food security in 113 countries. In September 2024, Qatar chaired the 36th meeting of the Agricultural Cooperation and Food Security Committee of GCC countries. During the event, Minister of Municipality Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah announced that Qatar had seen a 98% increase in vegetable production over the previous five years. The country has also achieved self-sufficiency in livestock production, reaching 100% in fresh milk and its derivatives, as well as fresh poultry.

The Earthna Center for a Sustainable Future, an NGO established by the Qatar Foundation, promotes a coordinated approach to environmental, social, and economic sustainability. Executive Director Gonzalo Castro de la Mata told TBY, “In 2023, we held more than 450 events during Qatar Sustainability Week.” The institution also organizes the Earthna Summit, with the next installment scheduled for April 2025. “During the summit, we highlight the efforts that Qatar is making on the international stage,” he said—efforts such as using treated sewage effluent technology for fodder irrigation and diversified greenhouse production.

Additionally, in July 2024, a Qatar University research project explored the pioneering use of hydrogel agriculture in greenhouse farming in Qatar. While traditional compost soil used in greenhouses has limited water retention, smart hydrogels absorb much more water than their weight, retaining nutrients and reducing soil erosion. In addition to increasing arable land, the government is protecting biodiversity by creating forest ecosystems and safeguarding coastal areas from exploitation. Mapping the country provides a working guide for identifying the optimal areas for specific trees and crops, an important step in helping Qatar meet its 2022 goal to plant 10 million trees by 2030.

Al Mardia, a local agricultural solutions provider, is leading the field in producing and distributing products that prevent environmental degradation. The company, established in 2017, quickly responded to Qatar’s challenging soil conditions through joint R&D with international partners to develop high-quality fertilizers. According to Chairman Sheikh Faisal bin Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, the company’s products “expand agricultural areas by utilizing salty water with a salinity level of up to 10,000-12,000 PPM.” The result? Greater quantity and quality of vegetables grown at minimal cost.

Another noteworthy player, Safwa Qatar, specializes in aquaponics, hydroponics, and indoor farming. Its founder, Fardan Fahad Alfardan, told TBY, “In Qatar, 90% of farms use hydroponics, but in various forms tailored to specific crops, primarily grown seasonally.” He aims to encourage diversification, advocating for the cultivation of peppers, which are lacking in the Qatari market. He added, “Education is pivotal, both for clients and farmers, although the latter may resist change due to the perceived challenges and risks associated with modernization.”

In addition to focusing on food security, advancing the “Made in Qatar” label is another facet of economic diversification. Beneath the surface of the “Made In” label lies a more substantial consideration: self-sufficiency. As local content rises across the economic landscape, the range of national products and services appearing on the international stage also expands.

Qatar, then, is comprehensively responding to natural challenges to its food security, emerging as a regional exemplar of improved production capacities achieved through innovative solutions