Doha: About 60 research papers on food security and the impact of climate change on it will be tabled by local and international experts at the Associated Scientific Conference of 10th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ) 2023. The five-day event will begin today at Doha Exhibition and Convention Center (DECC).
Dr. Muhammad Saif Al Kuwari, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Associated Scientific Conference AgriteQ 2023 said that 60 research papers will be tabled during the five-day event.
Speaking to Qatar TV yesterday, Al Kuwari said that senior officials, professors, researchers and agricultural experts from Qatar and many other countries of the world will be speaking in the marathon sessions of the conference.
He said that participants will exchange information, expertise and scientific data specialised in food security, agriculture, livestock and fisheries.
“This year, we added a new issue ‘impact of the environment and climate change on food security’ to the conference for discussion and bring about innovative solutions,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that the issue of preserving the environment and addressing climate change is a matter of growing global concern especially its impact on food security.
“Three dedicated research papers on the impact of the environment and climate change on food security will be tabled at the conference,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that the Conference will be held from March 15 to 19 in two shifts from 11am to 1:30pm and 5pm to 8pm. “The first day of the conference (today) will discuss initiatives, opportunities and projects in the agricultural sector around the world,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that speakers from El Salvador, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Iran and Kazakhstan will share their experiences and expertise in the field of agriculture and food security.
“On the second day (Thursday), research papers from the Ministry of Municipality, the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, companies working in the agricultural sector, and some scientists in national universities and research centers will be tabled,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that some research papers will focus on the contribution of local plants to ensure food security in Qatar, reforming soils and substrates that improve plant growth.
Some will focus on assessing the food production in Qatar through energy, food and water approaches, sustainable landscaping and others.
“As for the third day (Friday, March 17), the conference will focus on the home garden and the Gharsa initiative, led by Maryam Al Dosari, Dr. Shuaa Al Youssef and Nora Sabah,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that the activities will be for families and those interested in home gardening from 5pm to 6:30pm.
“The fourth day (Saturday) will be devoted to workshops, the first (from 4pm - 5:30 pm) to raise awareness of food safety, where food quality and safety, food control standards and activities will be discussed, as well as a review of the food industry and processing and responsibilities of food manufacturers and investors,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that the second workshop (from 6pm to 7.30pm) will review the National Strategy for Food Security 2023-2030 in order to understand all opportunities, strategies, projects and timetables.
“The fifth and final day (Sunday) in the morning only, it will be on agricultural techniques and services,” said Al Kuwari.
He said that some scientific papers will focus on the technology of soilless agriculture, the importance of artificial insemination in genetic improvement in sheep and innovation to address climate change and environmental preservation.
