Qatari farms in Doha are embracing the biofloc technique, an environmentally friendly approach to aquaculture, in response to the state’s efforts to boost self-sufficiency in fresh food production. Developed and customized for the local climate by Agrico for Agricultural Development, this technique conserves feed inputs and purifies water during production.
Agrico, which manages the state-owned Aquatic Research Centre of Rasmatbakh, has successfully implemented the biofloc technique in shrimp farming and plans to extend its benefits to other fish farms across Qatar. Ahmed Hussain Al Khalaf, Chairman of Agrico for Agricultural Development, emphasized the adaptability of the system for various fish farming scales, from personal use to large commercial farms.
The biofloc technique aids in conserving feed inputs and purifying water during production, contributing to increased fish production quality and quantity. The system, developed in coordination with the Fish Affairs Department of the Ministry of Municipality, includes indoor biofloc and a Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) tailored to suit the local climate.
RAS technology involves the recycling and reuse of water through mechanical and biological filtration, removing suspended matter and metabolites. Al Khalaf highlighted the system’s capacity to purify water, leading to improved fish production and enabling farming in smaller facilities, even for personal use.
The Ministry of Municipality and Agrico have established a committee to provide the biofloc system to fish farms across Qatar. Al Khalaf stated that the company is concentrating on developing fish farming systems, with a focus on sea fish production like Hamour, Al Sham, and Al Safi, aiming to ensure self-sufficiency in fish production within Qatar.
Agrico’s success in shrimp farming, achieved using the indoor biofloc method, has contributed to increased production to meet local needs. Al Khalaf emphasized the eco-friendly nature of the system, utilizing delicate living organisms like algae and gram-positive bacteria for natural water purification.
Established in 2011, Agrico for Agricultural Development aims to advance agriculture production, fish farming, and animal husbandry in Qatar. The company plans to expand its production capacity to meet local demands and intends to export its technology to neighbouring countries and globally.
