Qatar's Ministry of Municipality's Agricultural Affairs Department has reopened all five seasonal vegetable markets for the 2023-24 season.

Fresh vegetables and other products from 140 local farms will be available at these markets.

Approximately 140 local farms will participate in the markets, called yards, where local agricultural produce will be sold. The Peninsula quoted Ahmed Al Yafei, Head of Guidance and Services at the Agricultural Affairs Department, as saying, "Markets will operate in Al Mazrouah, Al Khor-Al Thakhira, Al Wakrah, Al Sheehaniya, and Al Shamal."

Due to the elimination of middlemen, the markets will sell farm produce directly to customers at very competitive prices.

The Al Mazrouah market, which operates within a permanent structure, will be open seven days a week. All other markets will work only on weekends, from Thursday to Saturday, between 7am and 3pm,” said Al Yafei.

Among the seasonal vegetables that will be offered at the markets are cucumbers, leafy vegetables, pumpkins, and beans. Tomatoes will become available as the season progresses. Qatar’s peak agricultural season runs from December until February.

According to Al Yafei, the seasonal markets are expected to sell 14,000 tonnes of vegetables this season, an increase of 10 to 20 percent over last year.

Providing seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, equipment, and expert advice on best farming practices, the Ministry of Municipality supports Qatari farms.

It is expected that the markets will provide farmers with a direct line of communication with consumers, allowing them to sell directly to them.

Pesticide-free and high-quality market produce will be strictly monitored. Vegetable samples will be constantly taken to labs to ensure their quality.

Farmers have been provided with free stalls at the markets and boxes for marketing vegetables by the Agricultural Affairs Department.