Qatar is planning to make a serious investment to shore up its food security in the coming years, to the tune of billions of dollars, Mohamed Ahmed al Obaidly, head of the agricultural and environment committee at the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said.

Reuters reports:

“We want to have the full chain, from production to end use. We’re aiming for a complete city which will include research and development, food processing, distilleries and growers, as well as utilities and universities,” (Obaidly) said…

The project would focus on fruit and vegetable growers, as well as livestock and fisheries, because the country’s small size prevents the large-scale growing of grains, he said.

While the city’s size is still under discussion, it would likely be located south of the capital Doha, close to the country’s planned new airport and seaport.

Qatar currently imports about 90 percent of its food and is projected to have the highest food demand growth in the Gulf.

According to the country’s master plan, Qatar aims to establish food security in 10 years. 

Ambitious!