Qatar’s farmer’s market has reopened this season with a broader selection of vegetables and fruit, as well as new additions such as local cattle, poultry and fish.
The Mazrourah Yard, which is located near the Umm Salal Sports Club on Al Shamal Expressway, is slated to remain open through May of 2014, and runs from 7am to 5pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
According to Gulf Times:
“As many as 55 types of vegetable and fruits were displayed in the yard, including tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and leafy vegetables, Efranji lettuce, Qatari melons, strawberries, okra, green onions, and cherry tomatoes. Qatari ghee and Al Sidr honey are also among the products.:
The market, which made its debut last year, is part of Qatar’s ambitious plan to shore up food security. Currently, the country imports 90 percent of its food, and only 6 percent of its land is farmable.
Speaking to reporters at the market’s opening on Thursday, Minister of Environment Ahmed Amer Mohamed al-Humaidi said:
“The concept of the yard is part of the State’s plan, under the leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, to provide food security and help farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen to increase their production.”
He added that a separate market in Al Khor is in the works, and should open by month’s-end.
The minister has also promised that prices at the market will be noticeably lower than what residents can buy at Central Market, and at stores – though produce is only sold in bulk, so customers may want to split their purchases with friends.
A box of lettuce costs around QR15, and a box of broccoli costs around QR25. A small sheep is around QR1200.
Have you visited the Mazrourah Yard this season yet? Thoughts?