Local vegetable production in Qatar is set to enter retail markets beginning early October, with cucumbers, zucchini, hot peppers, and leafy greens among the first crops to reach consumers, followed by other varieties as the agricultural season advances.

Several farm owners and managers highlighted that this season experienced a delay of approximately 20 days compared to typical schedules, primarily due to prolonged periods of high heat and humidity during the summer. These weather conditions notably affected outdoor crops and postponed planting activities.

Despite these challenges, most farms have finalized preparations for the new season, including soil conditioning, greenhouse maintenance, and seedling planting. Farmers have also noted increased efficiency and accessibility in agricultural processes since the Ministry of Municipality introduced the “Raqmana” digital platform. This system enables producers to submit plans, request services, and obtain expert guidance electronically, reducing administrative burdens.

However, rising production costs remain a significant issue. Many farmers reported substantial increases in prices for fertilizers, seeds, and pesticides, driven in part by elevated transportation expenses and ongoing supply chain disruptions. These costs exert additional pressure on farms, especially when market prices fluctuate sharply during periods of oversupply.

Nasser al-Kuwari, who owns a farm with around 20 greenhouses—including five cooled units—said planting has commenced on a limited scale and will expand as preparations continue. His farm focuses on tomatoes, eggplants, cowpeas, and cucumbers. Al-Kuwari emphasized the importance of expanding protected agriculture to bolster local production, stabilize market supply, and reduce reliance on imports.

Similarly, Ali al-Hanzab reported that his farm had completed soil and irrigation preparations, with planting planned to start shortly. His operation will concentrate on a select group of crops, including tomatoes, carrots, onions, eggplants, hot peppers, and zucchini, aiming for competitive quality and consistent supply. Al-Hanzab also stressed a preference for allowing crops to grow naturally without growth-accelerating materials to ensure product quality.

The summer’s high temperatures and humidity have notably disrupted planting timelines. According to Eng Saber al-Dahmani, certain crops like eggplant and cucumber were typically planted in early to mid-August and expected in markets by late August or mid-September, respectively. This cycle was delayed by several weeks in 2026. Currently, plantations of zucchini, eggplant, melon, and cucumber are underway as conditions improve. Greenhouse plantings for cucumber, eggplant, and tomatoes are scheduled to continue into early October.

Mohamed Ajlan al-Kaabi’s farm, featuring 17 greenhouses (10 to 11 cooled), is advancing soil preparation, fertilization, and greenhouse maintenance in anticipation of transferring seedlings—including strawberries imported from Jordan—from late September onwards. The farm has consistently cultivated strawberries in climate-controlled environments over the past four years. For this season, it plans to grow regular and cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, and both hot and sweet peppers, with fruit production expected to begin between November and December.

Basel al-Yafei, managing another farm, noted that seedlings would be ready for transfer from September 20, weather permitting, after open-field planting faced delays due to heat and humidity. This farm grows a variety of vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, corn, okra, molokhia, and cowpeas.

Eng Mohamed Mousa confirmed that the agricultural season commenced in mid-August with initial outdoor plantings of melon, watermelon, and zucchini, while cowpeas were planted in greenhouses. His farm is already supplying cucumbers and zucchini grown in cooled greenhouses to the central market, with broader production expected to be more visible by mid-October. Early market offerings will include eggplant, squash, melon, and watermelon varieties.

Overall, the 2026 agricultural season is progressing despite climatic and economic challenges, with a focus on leveraging greenhouse technology and digital tools to enhance productivity and market readiness.