Festival for local agricultural produce kicks off today

Expo 2023 Doha

Starting today, the Farmers Zone of Expo 2023 Doha will host the "Expo Festival for Qatar Agricultural Produce," featuring an array of fresh vegetables and herbs from local farms. This festival will continue until March 2024, operating from 4 pm to 10 pm. 

The Ministry of Municipality, represented by the Agricultural Affairs Department, has announced this festival at a crucial time, coinciding with the peak of Qatar's agricultural season, when various local vegetables are entering the market.

Qatar's peak agricultural season, spanning from December to February, sees the availability of a wide range of local vegetables, including tomatoes. Local farms contribute most seasonal vegetables, such as cucumber, leafy greens, pumpkin, and beans, among others. 

With an increase in the number of local farms, the seasonal markets are expected to offer 14,000 tonnes of vegetables this season, a 20 percent increase from the previous season.

As of November 2023, all five seasonal vegetable markets have reopened for the 2023-24 agricultural season, providing fresh vegetables and herbs from local farms in substantial quantities. 

Over 140 local farms will participate in these markets, located in Al Mazrouah, Al Khor-Al Thakhira, Al Wakrah, Al Sheehaniya, and Al Shamal. These markets, known as yards, facilitate the direct sale of local agricultural products to customers at competitive prices, eliminating middlemen.

The markets serve as a crucial marketing platform for local farmers, allowing them to sell their products directly to consumers, leading to lower prices compared to daily bulletin prices, as farmers receive free marketing services.

The Agricultural Affairs Department ensures the produce displayed at the markets adheres to strict standards and health conditions, free from pesticide residues and of high quality. Regular quality checks are conducted in laboratories using vegetable samples.

To support local farmers, the Agricultural Affairs Department has provided them with free boxes for marketing vegetables and stalls at the markets, enabling direct sales to customers without intermediaries.

This initiative aims to ensure farmers receive fair returns for their investments and hard work.

Source: The Peninsula