The world is facing multiple crises that are threatening the production and distribution of basic commodities and this is causing immense problems in many countries as supply chains are getting affected due to the various restrictions due to wars. On top of this unpredictable climate changes are also causing havoc with the production and movement of goods, causing a decline in exports and pushing the prices up sharply. The Gulf region managed to ride all these upheavals even though they are net importers of food products. As years pass by, challenges are expected to increase as political tensions are continuing and demand for commodities and water will only rise with the impact of climate change and changing consumption patterns.
To discuss and mitigate these challenges a workshop on food and water security for the GCC countries and its role in achieving sustainable development was held in Doha yesterday. The workshop was organised by the Planning and Statistics Authority.
Qatar has already implemented a series of innovative and ambitious initiatives to enhance its food and water security, aiming to achieve self-sufficiency and resilience in the face of global uncertainties. Qatar has heavily invested in cutting-edge agricultural technologies to increase production using minimal water as it is a precious resource. Qatar has introduced various new-age techniques like vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics to maximize crop yields. These methods allow for year-round production, reducing the country’s dependence on imports. Qatar has put in place a food security programme that aims to enhance domestic food production by increasing the cultivated area and promoting local farmers. Financial incentives, subsidies, and advanced infrastructure are provided to encourage farmers to expand their production capacity.
Qatar National Vision 2030 aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development and ensuring the continuation of decent living for its people, generation after generation. This requires the sustainability of production systems and supply chains and raising their operational efficiency, as well as raising the efficiency of the use of natural resources.
The workshop addressed the concept of food and water security and also policies, and strategies for food and water security. It also explained the economic, health, and environmental dimensions of food and water security for the Arab Gulf countries and the interconnected relationship between them and presented some successful models and practices in the field of food and water security and investment in modern technologies. As the region continues to implement and refine these initiatives, it will achieve greater resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving environmental and geopolitical challenges.
