The 8th Local Date Festival, organized by the Ministry of Municipality and Al Wakra Market Management, kicked off today, running for ten days from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Approximately 83 local farms are participating in the event.
The festival is part of Qatar's strong commitment to supporting and promoting local production of various national products, including dates. It coincides with the date season in the country and aims to bolster food security and agricultural development, particularly in the palm sector, while showcasing different date varieties available in the nation.
Director of the Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality Youssef Khaled Al Khalifi expressed that the festival has garnered a positive reputation over the years due to its high-quality products and the increasing number of participating farms each year. It has drawn significant interest from citizens and residents, motivating farmers to enhance production and investment.
Al Khalifi also highlighted an annual project, with a budget of 10 million Qatari Riyals, which involves purchasing dates from farmers and distributing them to needy and crisis-affected countries on behalf of Qatar.
He urged the public to support such projects and buy local products, emphasizing that this would encourage farmers to achieve cost coverage and maintain a profitable margin.
Regarding the ministry's support to farmers, Al Khalifi emphasized the facilitations accompanying the organization of such festivals and product promotion. He mentioned an ongoing project by the Agricultural Research Department at the Ministry of Municipality, focusing on palm tissue production and distribution to farmers, expected to commence distribution in September.
Furthermore, in relation to date palms, Al Khalifi explained that the ministry initiated a project on June 1, aiming to provide services to farmers, including land preparation, seed, fertilizer, and pesticide distribution at subsidized prices.
General Supervisor of the Date Festival Khaled Saif Al Suwaidi, informed QNA that the festival committee has diligently prepared for this year's edition, introducing new concepts in terms of organization and design of the exhibition tent. The event features the participation of 103 farms producing dates, as well as other farms showcasing and selling figs and almonds.
Al Suwaidi mentioned that this year's distinctive addition includes two competitions to determine the best date types and the best date palm pollination, aimed at encouraging farmers to produce high-quality dates.
Inside the festival tent, 14 varieties of dates are displayed, including some new and unfamiliar to the public. The festival brings together all Qatari farmers, facilitating knowledge exchange and enabling shoppers to choose dates that suit their preferences.
Al Suwaidi revealed that the festival expects to feature 15 tons of dates daily, reflecting its wide reputation and popularity. Additionally, a committee has been assigned to monitor the quality of the dates on display.
Head of the Agricultural Extension and Services Department at the Ministry of Municipality Ahmed Salim Al Yafei noted the substantial annual increase in the number of participating farms, starting from 18 and reaching over a hundred. This growth underscores the success and awareness of farmers regarding the importance of increased production and maintaining quality.
Regarding date production in Qatar, Al Yafei pointed out that the country is 85% self-sufficient in dates. He highlighted that the Agricultural Affairs Department at the ministry remains committed to combating the red palm weevil, offering integrated services in this regard, and providing free pest control assistance to farmers.
Source: Qatar News Agency
