IOFS, Qatar’s Baladna explore opportunities to ensure food security

OFFICIALS of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) recently visited Baladna, Qatar’s largest dairy and beverage producer, to explore how to ensure food security for its member states.

Director-General of Islamic Organisation for Food Security Yerlan Baidaulet and Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Qatar HE Askar Shokybayev were given a comprehensive tour of the Baladna’s 2.4 million sq metres farm. The Baladna team showed the group around the milking parlour, restaurant and three separate processing facilities.

The group discussed the expertise and technical know-how related to sustainable agriculture, rural development and farming technology which could help member states ensure food security.

They considered the challenges of ensuring efficient milk production and climate challenges. Baladna installed milking machines that worked 24 hours a day, an automated system for collecting manure and advanced ventilation systems to keep cows cool.

This year, Baladna is investing in crop farming as part of the group’s backward integration strategy to become the producer of many raw materials used for Baladna’s goods. Baladna is working with the Federal Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority (FELCRA) to help Malaysia achieve selfsufficiency in fresh milk.

Commenting after the visit, Baladna Managing Director Ramez Al Khayyat said, “Baladna played a pivotal role in Qatar’s journey to safeguard food security. I feel confident that our collective experience in achieving dairy self-sufficiency in a difficult environment will be valuable to the member countries of the Islamic Organization of Food Security.”

Ambassador Shokybayev said, “I can say with all confidence that Baladna is one of the most unique projects implemented in Qatar. The most important thing is that thanks to this project, the state was able not only to ensure its food security, but also to reach a level where the company is ready to become a transnational enterprise, exporting high-quality and in-demand products to foreign markets.

“Separately, I would like to note that most of the processes of Baladna are fully automated and thought-out to the smallest detail. At the same time, the most comfortable conditions for animals are created. The main priority for Kazakhstan is also ensuring food security and the development of high-quality, competitive and export-oriented products. Therefore, we are very interested in cooperating with Baladna.”

Founded in 2014, Baladna has grown from an ambitious entrepreneurial enterprise into Qatar’s largest dairy and beverage producer, supplying over 85 percent of the country’s fresh milk.

After a successful listing on the Qatar Stock Exchange in December 2019, Baladna has maintained its consistent and rapid growth to ensure healthy, natural food resources can contribute to the self-sufficiency of the State of Qatar. As of April 28, 2021, Baladna’s herd of cattle reached 22,754, with an average milk yield of 38.4 litres per cow per day. The company currently offers a range of more than 250 products spanning milk, yoghurt, laban, cheese and non- dairy products, including juices and organic fertilisers.

As of April 28, 2021, Baladna’s herd of cattle reached 22,754, with an average milk yield of 38.4 litres per cow per day. The company currently offers a range of more than 250 products spanning milk, yoghurt, laban, cheese and non- dairy products, including juices and organic fertilisers