DOHA: In a major initiative to promote food security, four greenhouses have been set up in the country that can produce vegetables and fruits at an estimated quantity of a total 80,000 tonnes per year.
The Technical Committee for the Promotion of Private Sector Engagement in Economic Development Projects, in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment has invited tenders for the projects. They will be located at Al Markhiya Al Janoobiya area.
The projects aim to increase domestic production of fresh vegetables and fruits bridging the supply-demand gap and providing the markets with high quality produce at competitive prices. The average production capacity of each greenhouse is 20,000 tonnes per year and is expected to reach its full capacity within five years from the date of signing the contract.
The Committee has allocated an area of four square kilometer for the four greenhouses at the First Agrocluster. Each project is planned to be established over an area of one square kilometer.
Some of the key criteria set up by the committee for the tender included Qatari ownership of the project, compliance with laws, using the land for the specified purpose, commitment to environmental sustainability standards and to social responsibilities.
The committee said, before inviting the bid, it has consulted with the interested private companies about the technical requirements of the projects and the conditions set for the tender.
The committee used a questionnaire to seek private sector opinions and get feedback which helped the committee to draw clear scenarios about execution mechanisms in accordance with the specific conditions.
Greenhouse farming is one of the best means for increasing self-sufficiency in vegetables and fruits throughout the year.
The productivity is very high when compared to open-field farming and the plants are less exposed to pollutants.
The project is a key stride in promoting the private sector to take the lead in enhancing food security.
Adopting the best available international practices and technologies in line with available water and energy resources ensures continuation and development of the production, said the committee.
