Mitsui to help set up experimental farm

The Ministry of Environment (MoE) has signed a co-operation agreement with Mitsui and Company covering the implementation of a variety of horticulture programmes promoted by the ministry. The programmes include the creation of an experimental farm at Al-Mazrua area. It will use modern and sophisticated technologies for climate control, appropriate in dry and semi-dry regions, a statement said. The agreement is the first of its kind undertaken by a major company with huge projects in Qatar. Mitsui is also considered a pioneer in giving technical and financial support that amounts to $4.5mn to implement programmes at the agriculture sector of the ministry. The agreement was signed by Dr Sheikh Faleh bin Naser al-Thani, director of the general department for agricultural research and development on behalf of the ministry and Yasushi Yushikai, chief operating officer, Business & Energy Unit II, Mitsui. The two parties agreed to enhance co-operation in related fields through the implementation of joint social development programmes in Qatar. The new experimental farm comprises a variety of agriculture projects such as livestock, greenhouses and pisciculture. The farm is not only aimed at increasing the local agriculture production but also to train Qatari farmers on the latest technologies in agriculture, which faces serious challenges due to natural circumstances. Currently, local production amounts to only 10% of needs of the country and the rest is imported. The ministry also aims at sustaining environmental resources for future generations. Eventually, the project will use technology for the sustainable use of water resources. Mitsui will seek to further strengthen relationships between Qatar and Japan through both technical and financial support, the statement said. The Japanese company has been working in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Industry in Qatar since 1979.