Agriculture in Qatar is inherently limited in scope due to the harsh climate and lack of arable land.[1] In spite of this, small-scale farming, nomadic herding, and fishing were the predominant means of subsistence in the region prior to the 20th century. Sea-based activities such as pearling and fishing served as the primary sources of income for Qataris until the commencement of oil drilling in 1939.[2]
Although the relative importance of these activities has declined as a means of livelihood (with commercial pearling disappearing completely), the government has attempted to encourage agriculture and fishing to provide a degree of self-sufficiency in food.[2]
- ^ McCoy, Lisa (2014). Qatar (Major Muslim Nations). Mason Crest. pp. 69–71.
- ^ a b Toth, Anthony (1994). "Qatar: Agriculture and Fishing". In Metz, Helen Chapin (ed.). Persian Gulf states: country studies (3rd ed.). Washington, D.C.: Federal Research Division, Library of Congress. pp. 177–178. ISBN 0-8444-0793-3. OCLC 29548413.
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