In the hot and dry land of Qatar, where farming once seemed impossible, Bangladeshi migrants are now playing a big part in growing food. This desert country has little rain and rocky land, so for years, it relied on imported food. But a major crisis in 2017 changed everything and gave Bangladeshi workers an unexpected role in helping Qatar grow its food.
That year, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt blocked Qatar by air, land, and sea. This caused panic as food quickly ran out. Although Qatar found quick help from Turkey and Iran, the crisis showed how risky it was to depend on other countries for food.
In response, Qatar created the Qatar National Food Security Strategy (QNFSS) 2018–2023. The goal was to produce more vegetables and become fully self-sufficient in milk and poultry by 2023. By the end of the plan, Qatar had met its poultry and dairy goals and grew nearly half its vegetables, thanks to 1,100 farms, most powered by migrant labor from Bangladesh.
These Bangladeshi migrants are not just workers. Some are entrepreneurs who lease land and combine traditional farming with new technologies like hydroponics and aquaponics. Their farms grow vegetables like okra, carrots, bitter gourd, aubergines, and herbs like mint and parsley. Some also raise poultry, keep bees for honey, and even experiment with fish farming in dry conditions.
How are Bangladeshi workers treated on Qatar’s farms?
While their farming support is important, many workers face hard conditions. Some entered Qatar as domestic helpers but were moved to farms. They often work long hours in extreme heat, with low pay, no overtime, and no days off. Many live on the farms and can only leave for emergencies. Only a few modern farms offer better treatment, such as free food, rest days, and extra pay.
Even with these difficulties, Bangladeshi migrants continue farming because it gives them opportunities. Many say they were trained for other jobs but had to settle for farm work due to visa issues. This has created an unofficial system where skilled people are used in lower-level jobs, which can limit their potential and cause unfair treatment.
Still, their work is leaving a strong mark. Many have learned advanced farming skills in Qatar that they can take back to Bangladesh, especially as their home country faces climate change and needs climate-resilient farming methods.
Qatar’s new QNFSS 2030 plan aims to grow 55% of its vegetables and continue full self-reliance on milk and poultry. It also wants to raise red meat and fish production. To meet these goals, Qatar will need technology, land, and skilled people—and that means more trained workers from countries like Bangladesh.
Experts suggest a government-to-government agreement could help. Such a deal would protect workers’ rights, ensure fair pay, and bring in trained farmers and technicians. This would help Qatar meet its food goals and allow Bangladesh to benefit from its workers’ success.
With better support, Bangladeshi migrants in Qatar can continue to grow more than just crops—they can grow a better future for both nations.