Page 41 - AA 2022 YEAR BOOK

Qatar

QATAR FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE MARKET - GROWTH, AND FORECASTS (2021 - 2026)

The fisheries and aquaculture sector anticipated to rise significantly due to
in Qatar was valued at USD 148,216.6 the rising population and awareness
thousand in 2020 and is projected to regarding the healthy food which is
reach USD 198,318.7 thousand by 2026, also anticipated to positively impact the
registering a CAGR of 5.0% during the market growth in the country.
forecast period.
In addition to the severe implications Demersal Fish Is Driving
on people’s health and the healthcare The Market
services, coronavirus (COVID-19) has
had a significant impact on sales of According to the Food and Agricultural
various businesses, including fisheries Organization, the seafood consumption
and aquaculture, in 2020. After the The rise in affluence is likely to in Qatar has increased to 24.5kg per
first case of COVID-19 was reported increase the consumption of seafood year. A large section of consumers
in Qatar, the government responded in the country. Most of the country’s prefer wild caught due to the perception
quickly to enforce various preventive private wealth is controlled by affluent that it is more natural, fresher, tastier,
measures such as social distancing and individuals, and thus, it is anticipated to and healthier. Demand for seafood is
closing of public places. These measures exhibit the highest increase in demand. increasing, primarily owing to a shift
significantly impacted the Fisheries Additionally, the growing concerns about toward protein-rich diets and increased
and Aquaculture sector in Qatar due to obesity and diabetes in the country and demand for Demersal fish species, such
disruption in both the market forces of the presence of various expatriates have as groupers. According to ITC Trade
demand and supply. also resulted in rising demand for healthy Map, Qatar imported 287,158 metric
tons of grouper fishes from countries
With the increase in health foods and opportunities for healthy and like India, Oman, United Arab Emirates,
consciousness in the country, people are light value-added seafood products Pakistan, and Egypt, with a majority of
shifting toward rich sources of proteins. is anticipated to increase. Therefore, the share being contributed by India,
Therefore, the demand for seafood is the demandfor seafood products is accounting for around 65.8%, in 2016.
increasing gradually. This has led to an
increase in the consumption of fish, which Production (tonnes) of some agricultural commodities in Qatar (2019-
are highly nutritious and have impressive
health benefits. The Qatari government 2020)
is pushing for the diversification of its Item Value Flag Value Flag
economy and is actively promoting Barley 229 566
investors and foreign companies in Beans, green 182 2880
to establish an enhanced sector for Cabbages and other brassicas 2002 2264
fisheries and aquaculture in the country.
This has opened new opportunities for Carrots and turnips 62 109
investors to finance RAS-based systems Caulif owers and broccoli 1855 1721
on farms, cage fish farming etc. For Cereals nes 162 288
instance, in 2019, the Qatari government Chicory roots 91 Im 90 Im
revealed a plan to build a shrimp farm Chillies and peppers, green 2386 3357
with a contract with the Texas-based Cucumbers and gherkins 2461 2952 Im
Global Blue Technologies. These factors Dates 25843 26607
may drive the growth of the fisheries and Eggplants (aubergines) 5393 5770
aquaculture sector in upcoming years.
Figs 8 6
Increase in Seafood Demand Fruit, citrus nes 445 206
due to Rising Population Fruit, fresh nes 105 50
0
1
Grapes
Qatar’s growing population, thriving Lettuce and chicory 389 575
economy, and profile as one of the popular Maize 619 947
tourist destinations has increased the Maize, green 1014 Im 1011 Im
demand for quality food products. The Melons, other (inc.cantaloupes) 1988 1800
population of the country has also risen Okra 188 243
gradually. According to the World Bank,
the population in the country was 2.65 Onions, dry 2546 2671
million in 2016. This rose to 2.83 million Potatoes 87 206
by 2019, placing a critical need on the Pumpkins, squash and gourds 10485 7217
sustainable and efficient management Spinach 90 127
of the marine resources and fish stock. Tomatoes 28309 31817
The population growth rate and the Vegetables, fresh nes 4937 8321
consumption rate are likely to be the Watermelons 507 474
major factors is driving the fisheries and
aquaculture sector in the country. Wheat 1 2
Im: FAO data based on imputation methodology | Source: FAO Statistical Division 2021
Arab Agriculture 2022 39