Qatar to become self-sufficient in dairy products starting Ramadan

MENA

Published: 2018-03-10 19:26

Last Updated: 2024-03-28 08:54


Qatar had mainly relied on dairy products coming from Saudi Arabia
Qatar had mainly relied on dairy products coming from Saudi Arabia

As a response to the severing of trade relations with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar is preparing to become self-sufficient in dairy products by the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan which starts in May.

The chairman of the Qatari dairy products company Baladna, Moutaz Al-Khayyat told Anadolu Agency that his company will fulfill local demands and as of 2019 even begin exporting the 100 tons of surplus milk and yoghurt.

Al-Khayat explained the company’s swift response came immediately after the blockade when they imported 4,000 cows from the United States and Europe. The company will also receive another 3,200 cows in two days, 3,200 cows in May, and 3000 cows in November.

"The new number of cows represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and productive growth phase and will help us meet the market demands of high-quality fresh dairy products," al-Khayyat said.

Previously, Qatar had mainly relied on dairy product imports from Saudi Arabia with 400 tons of milk and yogurt imported daily.