File photo of livestock at Al Wakra Central Market. Pic: Abdul Basit / The Peninsula
The livestock sector of Qatar witnessed robust growth in 2021, recording over 1.5 million registered heads of livestock contributing greatly in increasing local production of dairy and meat.
The number of heads of livestock including goats, sheep, camels and cows was recorded at 1,537,355 last year, according to statistics issued by the Livestock Affairs Department of the Ministry of Municipality.
Of total, 948,983 or 62 percent are sheep, followed by 428,147 goats with 28 percent share. The number of camels and cows reached 116,359 and 43,866 respectively.
The statistics recorded 15,644 animal keepers and 6,785 livestock farms (locally called ‘Al Adhab’). According to the statistics, the local milk production reached 195,000 tonnes last year. The self-sufficiency of the country in milk production has reached 97 percent.
Production of red meat reached 11,000 tonnes; 60,000 tonnes were available for consumption, recording 18 percent self-sufficiency. The production of fresh chicken reached 28,000 tonnes; 27,000 tonnes were available for consumption, recording 104 percent self-sufficiency.
A total of 11,000 tonnes of table eggs were produced last year in the country; 37,000 tonnes were available for consumption, recording 30 percent self-sufficiency. The Livestock Affairs Department in a direct support to farms provided 6,269 tonnes fodders. A total of 327 keepers benefitted from fodder support programme.
The Department provided 1,095,785 country chickens with vaccines against Newcastle disease (ND). A total of 585 keepers benefited from the project. In indirect support, the Department provided platforms (yards) to market locally- produce livestock. A total of 52 farms participated, selling 12,006 animals last year. The Department also launched initiatives in cooperation with Widam and other partners to sell locally-produced animals at suitable prices to encourage local production.
To boost livestock sector further, the Ministry of Municipality is implementing its strategy to develop farm complexes, open new markets and launch initiatives.
The strategy for supporting livestock and developing livestock farm complexes is based on several pillars and axes, including preserving the sustainability of natural resources, and working to ensure the safety of the environment.
During the period of study, 34 projects were licensed for producing chicken, eggs and red meat. Twenty projects are operating and 14 projects are under construction.
The Department launched a number of initiatives and programmes to boost the agricultural sector. For example, an initiative to develop livestock farms and complexes, which began in 2019, achieved 45 percent of its target in 2021. Other initiatives include encouraging private sector to get involved in food security projects, developing veterinary services and animal quarantine facilities.
