Over 47,000kg of Qatar produce sold at Local Dates Festival

Sale at the fourth edition of Local Dates Festival at Souq Waqif by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) and Souq Waqif management has crossed 47,000kg at the end of the fourth day on Friday.The festival, which is on until August 3, continues to draw crowds and the total number of visitors stood at around 13,900 until Friday, as per figures, released by the MME.On Friday, the merchants recorded a sale of 12,795kg while the total sale stood at 12,932kg on Thursday.The festival, on Friday, witnessed an increase in number of visitors with the number reaching 5,000 while 3,500 people visitors on Thursday.A total of 10,953kg and 10,752kg dates were sold on Wednesday and Tuesday, respectively with visitor numbers at 2,900 and 2,500.The organisers this year expect a sale of more than 250 tonnes of dates at the festival.Last year, the festival attracted about 54,000 visitors and sold 205 tonnes of fresh dates worth QR1.7mn.The festival is held as part of Qatar’s efforts to promote locally grown products and help local farmers get market for dates.More than one dozen local varieties are on sale from 85 farms across Qatar in addition to Hassad food company.The festival was attended by 73 farmers in 2018.The varieties on sale at the festival include Al-Khalas, Al-Shishi, Al-Khenaizi, Al-Barhi, Al-Iraqi and Al-Silji, Al-Saqai, Nabt Saif, Al-Lulu and Al-Razizi.