Adel Al Yafei, Assistant Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality, has highlighted the growing demand for local products at Qatar’s farmer’s markets during Ramadan. Speaking to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Yafei noted that this surge reflects consumers’ high satisfaction and increasing trust in these markets as reliable sources for fresh vegetables and local produce.
Since their establishment in 2012, these farmer’s markets have undergone significant development, gaining popularity due to improved service and product quality. Al Yafei emphasized that these markets reduce intermediaries, offer competitive prices, preserve nutritional value, and boost farmers’ profitability by up to 40%. They also promote sustainable and flexible diets, support local production, and encourage the consumption of local products.
This year, Ramadan coincides with March, the peak of Qatar’s agricultural production season. To accommodate increased demand, the operating hours for farmer’s markets during Ramadan are as follows:
- Markets in Al Khor, Al Dhakira, Al Shamal, Al Wakrah, and Al Shahania are open from 7 pm to 11 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- Al Mazrouah farmer’s market in Umm Salal is open daily from 6 am to 11 pm.
Al Yafei also outlined initiatives to regulate prices during Ramadan, ensuring products remain affordable while maintaining quality. Coordination with relevant authorities ensures farm owners adhere to fixed price lists, balancing the interests of producers and consumers. Additionally, in collaboration with the Hifz Al Naema Center, local vegetables are distributed to low-income families, and marketing outlets are provided for home-based businesses within these markets.
The Ministry of Municipality supports farmers by offering free sales outlets, technical and advisory assistance, free packaging, and oversight to ensure efficiency. Al Yafei highlighted plans to expand these markets to more areas, benefiting both farmers and consumers.
These farmer’s markets play a vital role in enhancing self-sufficiency by encouraging increased production and providing direct marketing channels for farmers. Investments in agricultural technology and product quality improvements help reduce reliance on imports, strengthen social cohesion, and promote national identity through the consumption of local products.
(Source: The Peninsula)
