Doha, November 05 (QNA) - The Ministry of Municipality's Agricultural Affairs Department announced that the 2025/2026 local agricultural produce market season will commence on Thursday, November 6.

The agricultural markets will be set in Al Khor, Al Thakhira, Al Wakrah, Al Shamal, and Al Shahaniya, and will run alongside the Al Mazrouah market, which operates all year long.

The seasonal markets will be open to visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, from 07:00 until 15:00, and will feature more than 100 Qatari farms offering high-quality agricultural products.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Municipality aims to consolidate the sustainability of local agricultural production and expand Qatari farms' participation, in line with the state's vision for achieving sustainable agricultural and economic development within the framework of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the National Food Security Strategy.

The agricultural markets, along with the Mahaseel Festival (Katara Harvest Festival) and the Agritech Exhibition Market, aim to create direct marketing channels between farmers and consumers, eliminating the need for intermediaries. This ensures fair returns for farmers and empowers consumers to access fresh, high-quality local produce.

These markets offer the public a wide range of fresh local products, including seasonal vegetables, natural honey, dates, and other products that vary according to the agricultural season. 

Equipped with all the necessary facilities and services to ensure a comfortable and safe shopping experience, the markets possess shaded areas, public facilities, and organized parking. 

Moreover, specialized inspection teams are present to monitor product quality and ensure compliance with standards.

Local agricultural produce markets have witnessed rapid development since their launch in the 2012/2013 season, both in terms of the number of farms participating and the volume of sales. 

The initiative began with a single market in Al Mazrouah, with the participation of 24 farms and the sale of 884 tons of agricultural products. This success and expansion continued until the 2014/2015 season, which saw the participation of 166 farms, achieving total sales of 10,679 tons, equivalent to 12 percent of the total marketed local production.

The Ministry of Municipality said that these markets embody the state's commitment to supporting local production and enhancing food security.

The Ministry invites everyone to visit these markets and benefit from fresh national produce, supporting local products and contributing to the ongoing pursuit of agricultural self-sufficiency in the State of Qatar. (QNA)