Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) announced the launch of the national initiative to promote local production and subsidise red meat for the holy month of Ramadan. The initiative will start on Wednesday, and continue until the end of the holy month.
The goal of this initiative is to ensure the availability of red meat at affordable prices for citizens during Ramadan and to balance supply and demand, contributing to price stability in local markets.
In a statement on Tuesday, MoCI explained that Widam Food Company will be responsible for providing local and imported sheep and selling them to citizens at subsidized prices, at a rate of two sheep per ID card, priced at QR 1,000 for local sheep and QR 1,000 for imported sheep.
The ministry indicated that sales will be conducted through Widam's slaughterhouses in the regions of Al Shamal, Al Khor, Umm Salal, Al Wakrah, Al Shahaniya, and Abu Nakhla, in addition to the option of purchasing through the company's electronic application.
The initiative requires immediate slaughtering at the slaughterhouses to ensure that the meat reaches the targeted beneficiaries.
Widam Food Company will provide an air-conditioned tent for beneficiaries, divided into sections for men, women, and the elderly. Additional fees of QR16 for slaughtering, cutting, and packaging, and QR34 for porter services will be imposed through separate vouchers.
The ministry confirmed the continuation of its inspection campaigns on slaughterhouses to verify the availability of sheep and adherence to the initiative's prices. It will also monitor the availability of other food products in the markets and take all necessary measures to protect consumers and counter any monopolistic or unfair commercial practices.
The ministry also called on consumers to report any violations or breaches, confirming that it receives complaints and suggestions through its call center and social media accounts.
