AGAINST the desert backdrop outside Doha, capital of Qatar, several large vegetable greenhouses stand out like an oasis. Those are not just any vegetable greenhouses.

The vegetables there are not grown in the field, but in soilless multi-layered containers. Each row of growing vegetables is equipped with a tube through which a nutrient solution is sent to the plants.

The vegetable greenhouses are an example of how Chinese agricultural technology is helping to improve vegetable cultivation in countries along the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched about 10 years ago.

Located on the southwestern coast of the Persian Gulf, Qatar relies heavily on imported vegetables, meat and other agricultural products due to limited arable land and freshwater resources. Since the end of 2019, the Institute of Urban Agriculture (IUA) of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) has been providing advanced planting techniques to local agricultural companies in Qatar.

“We have been working with Qatar WeGrow Agriculture Investment WLL, helping local people develop new methods to breed vegetables that are adapted to the local environment,” said Qi Zhiyong, a researcher at the IUA.

Growing vegetables in the arid desert is a huge challenge. Chinese experts have made special designs in the light, water and soil required for plant growth. To avoid the strong desert sunlight, shaded greenhouses have housed the plant breeding containers. Additionally, LED light environment control techniques ensure the plants receive adequate light.

Qi explained that different plants require specific types of light to grow, and the IUA has developed specialized LED light formulas for various vegetables, along with corresponding equipment.

Regarding water and soil management, IUA experts have employed a combination of hydroponics and solid active fiber soil techniques known as the Leitu technique. According to Qi, this method replaces soil with an ecological material composed primarily of straw, cotton stalks, and other agricultural and forestry waste. By using the Leitu technique, high crop yields can be obtained with minimal energy consumption.

While hydroponics is mainly used for cultivating leafy vegetables, the Leitu technique provides optimal growing conditions for a broader range of vegetables such as eggplants, tomatoes, and cucumbers, said Qi, who is also the founder of the Leitu technique.

According to the IUA, China’s technology has increased vegetable production in Qatar from two varieties three years ago to more than 30 varieties, including six types of lettuce, four types of collard, five types of peppers, cabbage, spinach, and celery.

“We have built over 10,000 square meters of vegetable greenhouses in Qatar and done a great job in ensuring the supply of vegetables for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar,” Yang Qichang, deputy director of the IUA.

With the success in Qatar, Chinese agricultural technology is welcomed by more countries along the BRI. Qi revealed that companies in the United Arab Emirates and Oman are hoping to cooperate with them to set up more smart vegetable greenhouses in the desert. (Xinhua)