Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality, through its agriculture and food security sector, engaged with a Japanese delegation representing HarvestX and Mitsubishi Corporation to explore collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing agricultural development and food security in the country through the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics.

The meeting, held at the Ministry of Municipality’s offices, was led by Yousef Khalid al-Khulaifi, Assistant Undersecretary for Agriculture and Food Security Affairs. Representatives from the ministry’s agricultural research department were also present. The discussions centered on Japan’s experience in utilizing AI-driven robotic technologies to improve agricultural operations and increase production efficiency.

Participants evaluated the feasibility of adapting these technologies to Qatar’s unique environmental and production conditions. Plans include conducting research trials on crops critical to the nation’s food security at both farms and research stations. These trials aim to assess the technologies’ effectiveness in enhancing crop yields and improving quality.

Al-Khulaifi emphasized the significance of integrating advanced technologies and AI applications to overcome challenges faced by domestic agricultural production, with a focus on optimizing operational efficiency and sustainability to support Qatar’s national food security framework.

Hamad al-Shammari, Director of the Agricultural Research Department, highlighted the importance of thorough scientific and practical evaluations to determine the suitability of AI and robotic systems under local conditions. He also noted the value of exploring the potential to scale up successful implementations.

As part of the collaboration, the Japanese delegation has been invited to participate in the Qatar International Agriculture Exhibition scheduled for January 2027. Their presence is expected to facilitate the sharing of expertise and showcase innovative technological solutions in agriculture.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the significant challenges confronting Qatar’s agricultural sector and the potential role of AI and robotics in developing tailored, sustainable solutions. The discussions underscored the mutual interest in strengthening research cooperation and advancing technological innovation to promote sustainable agricultural production in Qatar.