The Qatar National Food Security Programme recently formed a supreme committee to oversee the implementation of the national plan for food security.

 

The programme is an initiative created in 2011 with the goal of mapping out a food plan by the end of this year.

 

The supreme committee is comprised of 17 representatives from the ministries of economy and finance, trade, agriculture, environment and health, Qatar University, the Qatar Trade and Industry Chamber and various food import companies.

 

The committee has started its work, focusing first on creating a database that will outline the tasks of each relevant authority, said Fahd Mohammed al-Attiya, the programme's executive director.

 

"The committee will supervise the implementation of the plan, which includes upgrading and developing Qatari agricultural products," he added.

 

These products include vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, onions, zucchinis, okra, mallow and grains as well as fruits such as melons, watermelons, lemons and dates.

 

The plan encompasses the introduction of modern machinery and the latest drip irrigation methods, he said.

 

There also is an interest in producing honey from apiaries and raising livestock such as sheep, cattle and camels as well as fish and poultry as a primary food source, al-Attiya added.

 

"The committee tasked with implementing the plan is currently following the recommendations put forward to diversify agricultural products, expand agricultural land, support the more than 1,400 Qatari farms and increase their efficiency in terms of production and sustainable and optimal use of water and land reclamation," al-Attiya said.

 

The plan also includes renewable energy projects as well as others for water desalination and farm development, he said.