Qatar recently hosted a joint knowledge exchange workshop on smart farming with the Republic of Korea, organized by the Ministry of Municipality’s Food Security Department. The workshop aimed to enhance food security in Qatar by increasing local production of agricultural food products, particularly perishable vegetables. Qatar is focusing on leveraging modern technology, including high-tech greenhouses, to address challenges such as water scarcity, arable land limitations, and harsh climatic conditions. By initiating greenhouse projects and seeking smart and sustainable solutions, the country is striving to achieve targeted levels of self-sufficiency in food production.
Director of the Food Security Department, Dr. Masoud Jarallah Al Marri, highlighted the significance of food security for Qatar and emphasized the country’s commitment to improving productivity and implementing various support packages to enhance local agriculture. The department proposed a project under Korea’s knowledge exchange initiatives to analyze the impacts of climate change on food production in Qatar and suggest policies and strategies to mitigate these effects. This project, which commenced in January 2024, involves collaboration with the Hyundai Research Institute and PlanTFarm, with reciprocal visits and data collection to assess the use of technology in agriculture and adaptation to climatic conditions. The aim is to strengthen economic cooperation between Qatar and South Korea.
During the workshop, the final report of the knowledge exchange on smart farming was discussed, analyzing the current situation in Qatar and highlighting best practices and advanced technologies from South Korea. The report also offers proposed policies and measures to enhance the resilience of food production systems in Qatar. By sharing expertise and adopting innovative approaches from Korea, Qatar aims to improve its agricultural capabilities and ensure sustainable food security for its citizens. The project is expected to provide technological solutions and policy recommendations that Qatar can implement, further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
Overall, the joint workshop on smart farming between Qatar and South Korea signifies a significant step towards achieving food security in Qatar. By embracing modern technologies, increasing local production, and sharing knowledge with experienced partners, Qatar is taking proactive steps to address challenges in agriculture and enhance its self-sufficiency in food production. With the support of initiatives like the one proposed in collaboration with Korea, Qatar is hopeful for a more sustainable and resilient food production system that can adapt to changing climatic conditions and meet the needs of its growing population.
