Doha: Qatar Fertilizers Company hosts annual Vegetables and Flower Show

By Philip Mudartha
Pic By Nandanan
Bellevision Media Network

Doha, 10 April 2011: QAFCO manufactures nitrogen based fertilizers, mainly urea and ammonia, which it imports globally including India. It is fitting that tribute to its purpose that a feast celebrating agriculture, floriculture and horticulture is part of its social responsibility endeavors.

 

Nearly ten thousand residents live in Mesa’ieed, mostly expatriates. It is a sleepy little village 40 kilometers from Doha, the nation’s capital where more then half a million people live. Others live in surrounding towns like Wakhra, Rayyan, Khor, Dukhan and Shamal. Mesa’ieed hosts a floating population of thirty thousand or more during the day, both permanent employees of heavy industries, contract workers and service providers working in shops, restaurants, banks, post office, and other establishments. Besides QAFCO, major industries include Qatar Steel, (produces iron and steel), Qatalum (produces aluminum), Qatar Petroleum Refinery (refined products and LAB), Qafac, QVC, QAPCO, Q-Chem, NGL, GASAL, Q-Coat, Q-Melamine, QFM, and a host of smaller manufacturers. The three gas fired power stations produce in excess of 3000MW of power, all required locally. In addition, the national grid supplies the deficit from the stations located near Doha.

 

With so much heavy industry located here, pollution is a serious concern which implies that social and corporate awareness and commitment has to be created and nurtured. The annual show contributes towards that effort.

 

Early visitors and enthusiasts savor the experience and thrill

 

The pageant winner, what a great looker!

 

Another race altogether, but in the same class

 

 

Riot of colors, not painted flowers this. I vouch!

 

Not all flowers grow in pots and gardens; but, equally admired

 

They grow these yummy tomatos in our backyard. Perfection!

 

And healthy greens, and radishes galore

 

Not imported from India, I swear. Genuine local produce

 

Even these banana

 

How much do I weigh, any guesses?

 

And Bonsai potted and cared for in living rooms

 

And the exotic, pampered in air-conditioned living rooms

 

How about us? We live indoors in pots and buckets

 

No home in my village in Qatar is complete without one of these

 

A crocodile arrangement of good old bitter gourds

 

Left-over veggies and coconut shells make a turtle collage

 

I am a Mexican Pumpkin, recreating Mayan era

 

Flowers did you say? We are ‘dressed’ vegetables

 

Not born like this, but we went to beauty parlor for a face-lift

 

From the desert,, Ikebana formation

 

Dancing Couple, only all buttery and gluey

 

And the Madonna

 

Professionals are busy with their knives carving masterpieces

 

It is not about fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers only. We are stuffed

 

DO I say more? Speaks for itself

 

Sixth grader will go places. Live painting competition wins first prize

 

It is about passion, not only winning prizes

 

The under-water world, says to prize winning M.E.S. High School student

 

Professional Ice Carvers from star hotels and the cleaning crew

 

Can you name the ice sculpture? Not easy, that one

 

Newly weds, going about creating memories..

 

Eager buyers of seeds, potted plants, and nutrients for gardening

 

The greatest of all arts: Food, Yummy

 

Our photographer Nandanan (left) posing for a rare picture

 

All the action is inside this tented hall, it is early in the morning, just before the opening; the large football field will be crowded as the evening wears on

 

Local residents, especially house-wives, spend considerable hours of their leisure time in planting, tending, watering, and caring for their gardens in the backyards. The aggressive environment, hot and humid summers, cold and chilly winters, sandstorms and occasional cloud bursts do not deter them from their passionate hobbies. or some, it is an obsession. The passion is catching up, and residents from other cities are not left far behind.

 

They bring their exhibits and compete in classes and categories set by the rules of the show. The show also provides opportunities to showcase other skills like painting, carving, flower arrangement, ice sculpting, butter craft, and an assortment of collage and general arrangement for amateurs, professionals and students.

 

The show provides a leisure opportunity for people to meet friends, take pictures, eat, and make merry. It is wholesome entertainment for family, single men and women, and elderly. They come and give the organizers the satisfaction of a well managed event.