Baladna Food Industries, Qatar’s largest producer of fresh dairy, has declared its first export of dairy products to Afghanistan. Qatar used to import nearly 98 percent of its farm product before June 2017.

The company, established in 2016 with a production capacity of less than 50 tonnes, it was facing a major challenge - after one year its establishment – because of  blockade imposed on Qatar in June 2017. Now the production increased 500 tons per day and it covered all the dairy needs of the state.

CEO of Baladna, Dr Kamel Abdullah told Al Jazeera that the shipments to Afghanistan is just the beginning and the company plans to reach many markets outside Qatar.

Many Arab and international businessmen have expressed their desire to import Baldna products due to its high standards and quality, Abdullah revealed to Al Jazeera.

The chief executive of the company said that Baldna's products will not be limited to milk. They also have the plans to launch Baladna juices by the end of April in Qatari market and is expected to reach self-sufficiency in juices in a short period of not more than a year. The company have plans to enter poultry, meat and fodder production also.

Baladna recently commenced its third phase with the launch of the country’s initial  UHT (Long-Life milk) line. The new state-of-the-art UHT production line aims to assist  Qatar move nearer to achieving self-sufficiency and food security.

Baladna is currently increasing its business into a brand new section to make its product portfolio. With an investment of roughly QR21m, the UHT line is trying to supply an average of eighty tonnes of long milk daily.