President of the Islamic Development Bank and Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser and Founder and CEO of Infarm Erez Galonska with other panellists during a session at Qatar Economic Forum 2022, Powered by Bloomberg, yesterday. Pic: Amr Diab
Doha: Founder and CEO of Infarm company Erez Galonska has revealed the intention to open a mega farm in Qatar next year with the aim to transform the country into an attractive agricultural destination and a food exporter.
In a panel discussion entitled ‘Food Security in Peril’ within the activities of Qatar Economic Forum 2022, Powered by Bloomberg, yesterday, Galonska said that Qatar is considered an economic source and has unique opportunities. "We want to change the reality of agriculture in Qatar by motivating farmers to produce more crops," he said.
He pointed out that his company aims to build global farm networks based on designing an entire supply chain. These networks will rely on highly efficient vertical farms and modern agricultural techniques to provide an alternative food system that is flexible, transparent, and affordable.
Galonska pointed out the importance of diversifying energy sources, choosing agriculture products, and creating an infrastructure in cooperation with governmental agencies with the aim of feeding everyone.
The President of the Islamic Development Bank and Group Chairman Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser said that member countries of the bank and the developing world are facing a food crisis as a result of many complex and overlapping factors, especially those related to supply chain and conflict, drought, food shortage, high prices, and lack of appropriate technology which requires a comprehensive view of treatment.
He pointed out that in the context of problems of food insecurity, the Arab Coordination Group — which includes a group of Arab development funds — in its recent meeting allocated $10bn for immediate relief and long-term support in the context of measures to respond to the global food supply crises.
He called on governments to prepare the appropriate invest environment for agriculture sector to strengthen food reserves in the short-term and highlighted that the Islamic Development Bank works openly to mobilise resources with the aim of strengthening food security of membered countries.
