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DOHA: The Ministry of Municipality (MoM) has launched a new initiative to distribute vouchers for seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to owners of productive agricultural farms, offering them greater flexibility in directing government support toward their specific agricultural needs.
The initiative, announced by the Agricultural Development Department, marks a shift from the ministry’s earlier practice of directly supplying pre-selected seeds and inputs to farmers. Now, with the new voucher system, farmers can choose the type and supplier that best suits their requirements, enabling them to improve productivity and efficiency.
Head of the Agricultural Development Department at the Ministry of Municipality, Ahmed Salem Al-Yafei, has emphasised that the initiative is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to modernise the agricultural sector and enhance Qatar’s self-sufficiency in key crops.
“This programme has been developed to empower farmers to make their own choices and direct the support where it benefits them most. It helps improve production quality, supports local farmers, and reduces reliance on imports,” Al-Yafei said while speaking to Al Rayyan TV recently.
Farmers were notified about the initiative through official messages and provided with application forms. Once applications are submitted, ministry specialists visit the farms to assess their agricultural plans and allocate vouchers accordingly. The value of each voucher is determined by the farm’s cultivated area and the type of crops grown.
The scheme currently covers five crops: tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, zucchini, and sweet peppers. These are considered priority crops for achieving self-sufficiency and ensuring a stable local food supply.
Al-Yafei explained that around 15 agricultural companies have partnered with the ministry under this programme, offering a variety of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for farmers to choose from.
He also highlighted strict conditions to ensure the programme’s integrity, such as preventing the resale or misuse of vouchers and restricting participation to actively producing farms with no violations.
In terms of financial support, the ministry covers a substantial portion of input costs. Fertilizers are provided entirely free of charge. This approach not only reduces farmers’ costs but also ensures that locally grown produce remains affordable for consumers.
Beyond input support, the ministry also assists farmers in marketing their produce. Through local markets, seasonal festivals, and the initiatives for purchasing vegetables from farmers, the ministry ensures that high-quality local produce reaches consumers fresh and at fair prices.
Al-Yafei further noted that the programme aims to motivate non-productive farms to enter the market. “When non-productive farm owners see the support given to productive ones, they are encouraged to cultivate and contribute to the local food supply. We even extend support to new farms shifting into agriculture,” he said.
The initiative reflects Qatar’s continued commitment to food security, supporting farmers as key partners in achieving self-sufficiency. It also aligns with the state’s strategy to modernise agricultural practices and strengthen supply chains for fresh, locally produced food.
