Many people believe that there is a need to increase the number of animal farms in Qatar, according to a recent survey. Nearly 85 percent of respondents to Al Sharq weekly survey said that the current number of animal farms is not enough, with 12 percent saying there is enough land for farms that keep and breed animals. Many also said that there was a dire need to establish more veterinary clinics across the country. On the necessity of increasing the number of farms in the country, 81 percent said that there should be more distribution of land for farms while 15 percent felt the issue was not important. A study conducted by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) also reveals that the current animal reproduction rate in Qatar is 15 percent. When asked about the role of MoE, some 66 percent said they did not find the Ministry providing enough support to the people on the issue. Sixteen percent said the Ministry was performing its duties well while 18 percent said that they did not know about the issue at all. “One of the biggest problems is that many farms do not have electricity or water supply. There is no equipment available for cleaning farms,” Omer Saeed, a Qatari, said. He said the issue needed more attention from the Ministry. He urged the government and ministries to give necessary support to the people and to distribute more land for farms among locals. “There are many citizens who apply for lands for farms but their requests are rejected,” Saeed said. Essa Al Mulla said that many citizens deserve to have farms and raise animals but lack of land area as well as support from the Ministry is discouraging them. “The country needs more animal farms in different areas. The existing farms also need to be developed so that they become more productive,” Al Mulla said. The Ministry of Environment said that Dr Qassim Al Qahtani, Director of animal department at the Ministry of Environment, said the Ministry is doing its best. The Ministry is monitoring different diseases affecting animals in the country and his department in particular is providing free direct and indirect services. “We also give different type of motives to farm owners such as free treatments and vaccinations,” Al Qahtani said. http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/qatar/237659-government-must-help-citizens-set-up-more-animal-farms-survey.html

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