Qatar explores idea of ‘agricultural city’

Planning is apparently under way for a new “agricultural city” in Qatar, which would aim to create greater food security for the country, which imports 90% of its food.

Mohammed bin Ahmed Al Obaidly, who heads the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) panel planning the venture, says the development is also aimed at … boosting tourism?

The Peninsula newspaper, citing Al Obaidly, reports: 

He emphasised the agricultural city will attract both local and foreign investment through its various sections including model farms for production of vegetables to cover the needs of the local market, as well as factories to manufacture foodstuff for the domestic and neighbouring markets.

Other sections include livestock, fisheries, poultry and farming, including the planting of ornamental trees. The city will also include agricultural markets for sale of foodstuff and store rooms where food would be stocked. Tourism facilities will be provided to make the city a must-see for tourists.

Still very much in the preliminary stages, one of the proposed locations for the “city” would be near the airport, so as to facilitate exporting produced goods.

What do you think – about time Qatar started growing its own produce? Or better to leave it to those who can do it best?