Doha: The fourth day of the 13th Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition (AgriteQ 2026) witnessed a large turnout of school students, with 92 schools participating and a total of 3,680 male and female students attending as part of organized field visits aimed at promoting agricultural and environmental awareness among youth, and introducing them to concepts of sustainability and food security.

According to Qatar News Agency, students toured a number of participating company and farm pavilions, including "Haina Salma Farm," Agrico, the Farmers' Market and "Mazzraty" zone, the Honey and Dates Market, the Flower Market, as well as the Panda Area and the zoo.

During the visits, they explored models of local agricultural production and learned about the latest agricultural technologies and smart farming methods through interactive presentations and educational activities combining theoretical and practical components.

These visits come within the framework of the Ministry of Municipality's commitment to engaging students in awareness-driven activities and fostering a culture of agricultural sustainability, in alignment with the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030, thereby contributing to the preparation of a generation conscious of food security issues.

In parallel, the exhibition's daily conference program commenced, with the fourth day dedicated to biotechnology. The program featured specialized scientific sessions and research presentations addressing the latest developments in biotechnology and its applications in the agricultural sector, as well as its role in enhancing food security and environmental sustainability.

The first session examined the use of biotechnology techniques in jojoba plants to combat desertification, biodiversity genomics in the State of Qatar and its role in safeguarding the future, and highlighted herb science as a promising source for supporting biodiversity and adapting to climate change. Discussions also covered the evaluation of salinity-related genes, pesticide residue monitoring programs, and challenges associated with international regulations.

The second session featured presentations by specialized medical and scientific technology companies, exploring mechanisms for transferring technology from scientific research to agricultural application and assessing the future of agricultural biotechnology in the region.

The program concluded with a discussion of recommendations from the scientific sessions and ways to translate them into practical implementation plans, attended by decision-makers from research institutions, directors of technical departments in the agriculture and food security sector, and a number of officials.

Dr. Mona Ali Al Balushi, Biotechnology Expert at the Agricultural Research Department and founder of the Biotechnology Day initiative, also participated in one of the sessions. She reviewed key research developments and modern applications in biotechnology and their role in supporting agricultural sustainability and strengthening food security, emphasizing that Biotechnology Day serves as a platform for exchanging expertise and exploring partnership opportunities between researchers and decision-makers.

The fourth day of the Qatar International Agricultural Exhibition 2026 reflects the integration of the exhibition's educational, scientific, and awareness-raising dimensions, as well as its role in supporting agricultural innovation and reinforcing the country's food security system.