Prove in Doha, then grow and equip
We plan to prove our modules in a small, revenue-generating reference farm in Doha. Once it meets its targets, we plan to grow it from our own cash, adding modules we build ourselves. We will also equip Qatari farms with compact indoor units, software and agronomy support.
Why Qatar
Qatar targets 55% self-sufficiency in fresh strategic vegetables by 2030 [2, 3], up from 39% in 2024 [2]. Local production covers most demand during the winter peak season [2].
About 98% of the lettuce consumed in Qatar was imported, according to QDB data for 2020 [1].
In 2024 Qatar imported USD 262.6 million (QAR 956 million) of vegetables under HS 07, including 21,318 tonnes of lettuce [4].
Qatari rules cap retail service fees for local fresh produce at 10% of sales, and require payment within 15 days [5].
Microgreens are a small niche in Qatar: in October 2026 we found one local pack in one supermarket chain, and local growers selling direct [7]. We will confirm demand and price with chefs.
Local, year-round supply at scale can put downward pressure on premium greens prices, which today depend heavily on imports.
Our approach and crops
Our approach follows QDB's 2022 vertical-farming study: modular and scalable technology, the premium segment, leafy greens, and a technology partner with an R&D set-up [1].
We will grow culinary herbs, microgreens and leafy greens. We do not plan to compete in commodity lettuce.
Proposed milestones
Proposal We propose these milestones for the first 18 months. Tranche amounts and timing will be agreed with QDB.
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Months 1–6
Set up
Set up the Qatar company, bring our IP into it and sign the founders' agreement. Request written tariff confirmation, lease the site and install the first modules.
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By month 12
Prove
Run the reference farm at full occupancy, with HACCP certification. Win paying business customers in hotels, restaurants and retail.
Measure yield, kWh per kilogram and litres per kilogram against our target.
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Months 13–18
Grow and equip
Bring a second block of modules into production and hire our first Qatari graduate. Sign the first paid Interfarm Waha or farm-as-a-service contract.
Once the reference farm meets its targets, we plan to grow from year 2 with modules we build ourselves, paid from our own cash.
Target yield
Target Our target is a yield 15–20% above the published vertical-farming average in peer-reviewed literature [6].
We aim to reach it through uniform in-rack airflow, tunable-spectrum LEDs (in development) and tight climate control.
The target will be verified at our Doha reference farm by month 12. It is not a measured result.
Interfarm Waha: compact indoor units for Qatari farms
For Qatari farms, we plan Interfarm Waha, a compact indoor growing unit of four modules, supplied with FarmOS software and agronomy support. It is designed for year-round use. We plan to start with a pilot on a Qatari host farm.
The team in Doha
Our founders, İlker Karakaya and Hasan Gürhan Kulaçoğlu, will relocate to Doha. They will work full-time for the Qatar company for at least the first 24 months.
From the start, at least four people will work in Doha, including two farm workers hired locally.
Sources
- Qatar Development Bank (July 2022). Vertical farming study. qdb.qa/-/media/qdbapp/publications-pdf/vertical_farming_july_en.pdf
- Qatar News Agency (25 August 2025), on food security and local production. qna.org.qa
- The Peninsula (12 January 2025). Qatar eyes 55% self-sufficiency in vegetables by 2030. thepeninsulaqatar.com
- UN Comtrade: Qatar's reported imports for 2024, HS 07 (vegetables) and HS 0705 (lettuce). comtradeplus.un.org
- Ministry of Commerce and Industry Decision No. 6 of 2020, as reported by Qatar Tribune on 3 December 2020.
- Pennisi G, Gianquinto G, Marcelis LFM, Martin M, Orsini F (2025). Vertical farming: productivity, environmental impact, and resource use. A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development 45: 57. research.wur.nl
- Interfarm survey of 529 shelf prices of greens and herbs at 23 retailers and platforms in Doha, 12 October 2026.