"From pesticides to fertilizers, everything we use now is 100% organic"

In the extreme Qatari climate, organic farming comes with unique challenges, but Al Khor Farm is proving that scale and sustainability can coexist. Since transitioning to Biota fertilizers in late 2024, the 35,000-square-meter facility has seen measurable improvements in plant health, yields, and crop shelf life, across both traditional and vertical growing setups. "As per our chairman's vision, we stopped chemical fertilization completely," says Indra Singh, manager at Al Khor Farm. "From pesticides to fertilizers, everything we use now is 100% organic. Biota plays a key role in that shift."

The farm began using Biota fertilizers in September 2024, replacing conventional inputs with fully organic nutrient formulations derived from plant matter. Singh explains that Biota offered the farm flexibility similar to synthetic products, but with the added benefit of aligning with their organic certification goals. "What makes Biota unique is that I can tailor nutrient recipes to each crop, just like with chemical fertilizers, but the difference is that it's all organic. I can apply it based on what the crop needs without compromising quality or certification."

© Al Khor Farm Indra Singh, Assistant Farm Manager at Al Khor Farm

Controlled environments, vertical systems
Al Khor Farm's production area includes multispan greenhouses divided into zones of 5,000 to 10,000 square meters, all connected and managed under a central automation system that regulates irrigation, temperature, humidity, and ventilation. "We started last year with just 10,000 square meters," Singh says. "Now we've scaled to 35,000. All zones are equipped with automated climate controls including cooling pads, screen systems, circulation fans, so we can create optimal conditions year-round."

The facility grows a wide range of produce, from cucumbers, capsicum, squash, and eggplant to leafy greens like coriander, parsley, celery, and mint. A large share of these leafy greens is produced using vertical farming systems housed inside the greenhouses. "We use three types of vertical farming setups: tower systems, NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), and DWC (Deep Water Culture)," Singh explains. "In NFT, we circulate a thin film of nutrient-rich water through channels where the roots grow, and in DWC, the roots float in aerated water beds." Each vertical rack is about ten meters long and one meter wide, designed for high-density planting. The farm grows lettuce varieties such as butterhead, Lollo Rossa, and Lollo Bionda in these systems.

© Al Khor Farm
No LEDs, just sunlight
Unlike many vertical farms relying on artificial lighting, Al Khor's vertical units run on natural sunlight. "We don't use LEDs. Everything is based on photosynthesis using sunlight filtered through the greenhouse structure," says Singh. "We monitor the light levels from sunrise to sunset, and we adjust the screens accordingly. At night, the plants rest." This natural-light setup is integral to the farm's organic positioning, alongside its use of natural CO₂ enrichment and ongoing efforts to incorporate water-saving technologies. "Our vertical systems already use water recirculation. For other areas, like coco peat-based growing, we're planning to introduce reverse osmosis filtration so we can reuse water and reduce waste," Singh says.

© Al Khor Farm
Measurable results with Biota
The integration of Biota fertilizers has had widespread impact. Singh reports visible improvements across multiple growth stages: "Vegetative, reproductive, and productive growth all improved after we switched. The plants are stronger and more resilient." Yields have also increased. "With chemical fertilizers, we used to get around 10 kilograms per square meter," Singh says. "Now, with Biota, we're producing more, all while staying organic."

Beyond yield, Singh points to longer shelf life and better marketability. "The fruit quality is higher, and crops stay fresh for 7 to 10 days after harvest, which is a big advantage for retailers. Some products spoil within three or four days, but not ours." He adds that even customers have noticed the change. "Retailers tell us our vegetables last longer on the shelves and have a better texture. That's something they value."

© Al Khor Farm
Market reach and next steps
Al Khor Farm supplies a mix of local hotels, restaurants, and hypermarkets. According to Singh, the demand for organic produce continues to grow, especially when quality and consistency can match or exceed conventional alternatives. "Our chairman, Mr. Khalid Nasser Abdulla Al Misnad, is very pleased with what we've achieved using Biota," Singh says. "It shows that organic farming is not only possible in Qatar's climate, but scalable."

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand its vertical farming capacity further and refine its integrated systems. "We want to introduce hydroponics on a larger scale within the greenhouses. Combined with Biota and our control systems, this could further improve efficiency and sustainability." After one full season of using Biota fertilizers on every crop, Singh is confident the farm made the right call. "I've tested them across all our crops and never had a single issue. For us, it's been the best fertilizer solution we've used."

For more information: © ITD Qatar Al Khor Farms/International Trade & Development Co. wll
Indra Singh, Assistant Farm Manager
indra.singh@alkhorfarm.com
www.itdqatar.com