Doha: Qatari local vegetable sales surged over 16 percent in December 2018 compared to the previous month at winter vegetable markets due to growing production of local seasonal vegetables.

The winter vegetable markets operating at Al Mazrouah, Al Khor-and-Dhakhira, Al Wakrah and Al Shamal sold a total of 870 tonnes of vegetables in December which is an average of 218 tonnes of per week, said Agricultural Affairs Department at the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in a statement yesterday.

A total of 750 tonnes, with an average of 150 tonnes per week, were sold in November 2018. All types of local vegetables specially tomato, cauliflower, cabbage and capsicum  arrived at the vegetable markets in large quantity as a result the demand of vegetable has increased significantly, said the Ministry.

The winter vegetable markets also sold 787 tonnes of fruits with an average 197 tonnes in a week in December compared to 188 tonnes per week in November. Over five percent increased was recorded in the sales of vegetables.

Around 16 tonnes fish was also sold with an average of four tonnes in a week in December compared to three tonnes per week in November, which was an increase of 33 percent.

Locally produced eggs also attracted pretty good number of customers. A total of 2,450 cartons of eggs an average of 613 cartons per week were sold in December compared to 448 cartons per week in November, which is an increase of 37 percent.

A total of 414kg honey was sold with an average of 104kg per week in December compared to 528kg in November an average of 106 kg per week.

The sale of honey witnessed a decline of around two percent.

The winter vegetable markets sold 1,506 litres milk an average 377 litres milk in a week in December compared to 457 litres per week in November, showing a fall of around 17 percent.

 A total of 9,136 birds an average of 2,284 birds per week were sold in December compared to 2,223 birds per week in November, an increase of 3 percent.

The winter vegetable markets also sold 1,707 sheep and goats an average of 427 heads per week in December compared to 457 heads in November, registering a decline of 7 percent.