Qatar considers its agricultural sector a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development. The agriculture sector in Qatar is progressing with a strong emphasis on technology, sustainability, and food security. The Third National Development Strategy (NSD3) launched in 2024 seeks to develop sustainable agricultural technologies, boost local production and promote efficient resource utilisation to strengthen food security. The country is committed to supporting local farmers through targeted initiatives and agricultural support programmes. These measures have significantly increased the volume and quality of local agricultural production, elevating the standing of Qatari crops in the market. The nation has developed a sustainable and resilient food system that adapts to global challenges to ensure safe and sustainable food supplies. The National Food Security Strategy 2030 launched in December last year aims to achieve sustainable food security through guiding principles, including promoting healthy consumption habits, ensuring food safety and quality, fostering sustainability, adapting to climate change and building effective partnerships. The strategy represents a significant step in strengthening Qatar’s ability to address current and future food security challenges. It aims at making Qatar 55% self-sufficient in local vegetable production and increasing the productivity of agricultural lands by 50%, boosting the local production of red meat and fish to 30% and 80% respectively by 2030, and achieving 100% self-sufficiency in dairy and fresh chicken production. Qatar made remarkable achievements in fresh food production over the last few years. There are over 950 agricultural productive farms operating across the country. The new strategy, which includes 17 initiatives, aims to achieve sustainable food security. A recent study by the global analytical platform Mordor Intelligence reports that Qatar’s agriculture market size is expected to reach $180.30m (QR656.47m) this year. The report notes that it is estimated to amount to $235.31m (QR856.76m) by the decade-end. The country has adopted sustainable practices, utilising technologies like automated irrigation, aquaponics, and hydroponics to improve both the yield and quality of its agricultural output. As part of its efforts to diversify the economy, it is making significant strides in increasing local food production and reducing reliance on imports.
