Astonishing produce of tomatoes per sqm

This result is six times higher than the average productivity in Qatar and 50 percent higher than the best Qatari farmers could achieve by using the similar technologies, said the Center in a report.

A detailed report on the results of cultivation of tomatoes and cucumbers is issued yesterday after one year in operation of the Hydroponic Trial and Demonstration Center opened by Agrico, Qafco  and Yara International in February 2019. 

The Center was established to test local greenhouse technologies, nutrient management and best horticultural practices. During the trials the parties have succeeded in their main objective of developing a sustainable crop management system suited for the Qatari climate with high yields and productivity while conserving precious local water resources and limiting any negative impact of vegetables production on the local environment.

The Center's growing area is 3,750 square metres, situated on a plot at Agrico Farm in Al Khor. The Center was designed and built by Agrico using technology, knowledge and expertise accumulated during 10 years of experience operating in protected agriculture in Qatar.

The Center is jointly operated by Agrico and Yara Agronomists while Qafco gives full agricultural analytical support for substrate, water and leaves testing in the Qafco Lab in Mesaieed.

All crops in the Center are grown hydroponically, a method of growing fruits and vegetables without the use of natural soil. The crops are grown in substrate (for example coco coir, perlite, and rock wool) that is constantly fed with nutrient solutions. This way of growing reduces the risk of plants being exposed to soil diseases and allows saving of water, fertilizers and agro-chemicals. 

All plants are constantly fed with nutrient solution via a drip irrigation system that precisely combines water and required nutrients. The nutrient solution is prepared from Yara's fertilizers and is tailored for each crop and each stage of growth.

Qafco, Agrico and Yara share the data generated during the trials including nutrient regimes, climate conditions and crop monitoring, as well as other lessons learned from the Trial and Demonstration Center, to educate and support Qatari farmers.

Abdulrahman M Al Suwaidi, Qafco  Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, said: "This trial and demonstration center will help develop as well as educate local farmers of the best available practices that can help them produce more while sustaining Qatar's local resources."

Agrico General Manager, Nasser Al Khalaf expressed: "During the first year of the trials we have demonstrated great results, the best agronomical knowledge and cultivation practices to the local farming community." Carol Khadra, Yara's agronomist added: "The achieved yields of more than 30 kg per square meter is a great proof to other farmers what is possible to produce in Qatar climate."

Source and Photo Courtesy of The Peninsula Qatar

Source: The Peninsula Qatar