Qatar turns to desert farming to boost food security

AI Summary

Qatar has significantly ramped up domestic food production since the 2017 embargo, growing tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and mushrooms in desert conditions to reduce dependence on imports. Renewed geopolitical tensions stemming from the Israeli-American offensive against Iran have reinforced the urgency of food self-sufficiency. Strategic reserves and local agricultural investment have become central pillars of Qatar's national security strategy.

Since the 2017 embargo, one of Qatar’s greatest nightmares has been that a war or geopolitical crisis would isolate Doha from the rest of the world. In late February, renewed tensions following the Israeli-American offensive against Iran brought these concerns to the fore once again. Over the past nine years, Qatar has built up strategic reserves, but has mostly invested heavily in boosting local food production. This has been a major challenge, given the country’s harsh climate. Yet today, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and even mushrooms are being cultivated in the desert. For some, eating Qatari produce has even become a national duty. Amira Souilem and Chloé Domat report.