AGRICULTURAL businesses and government entities, along with plant lovers from across the kingdom, gave the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) a ‘green’ thumbs up for its refreshing return.
The popular garden and agricultural show, which opened its doors to the public yesterday at the Exhibition World Bahrain after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is themed this year as ‘Water: Regenerating Life’.
The event, which attracts around 45,000 visitors every year from across the world, is being organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD). It is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad and supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty, Supreme Council for Women president and NIAD Advisory Council president.
The show was officially inaugurated by Isa bin Salman Educational Charitable Endowment board of trustees chairman Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
NIAD secretary general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa said the exhibition “is a unique opportunity as it is a trade fair that contributes to creating important opportunities for the participating institutions to develop their business and expand the scope of their activities locally, regionally and internationally”.
More than 176 exhibitors are boasting an array of products revolving around agriculture – from gardening essentials, seeds and plants, digital tools, landscaping, lighting and more.
The Information and eGovernment Authority’s (iGA) newly-launched Botanical Atlas was a huge attraction for visitors.
The Bahrain Garden Club (BGC) display was also a success with several winners from their annual garden and vegetable competitions being awarded by Shaikh Isa.
According to BGC board member, treasurer and club’s newsletter editor Irina Averinos, the annual competition features 38 categories and more than 800 competitors, aged three and above, including school students and those with special needs.
“For the first time we have a seashell art category and other sections include jam and pickle preservation, mini rock gardens, experimental gardens, floral arrangements and awards for residential gardens and more,” she said. “We also have artwork themed around the show.”
Winners among school students will be celebrated today and others will be awarded on March 18.
Twelve Bahraini farmers from the popular Budaiya Farmers Market have also displayed their plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables.
Farmer Yusuf Ahmed Alburi from Yusuf Al Ebrahim Farm is showcasing spinach leaves and herbs including zaatar and ‘footan’, and (perfurmed) miramiya which have different health benefits, with prices starting at 150fils.
“There is huge demand for these herbs and we wanted to offer it at the Bahrain International Garden Show,” said Mr Yousif, who has 64 green houses. “It is such a proud feeling to be a part of this major event and inform visitors about the things we grow in Bahrain.”
Other exhibitors included the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, which is displaying different techniques including vertical farming, as well as universities and schools. There are pavilions featuring entrepreneurs from different countries selling their local products such as Adnan Salim Al Ghasini from Muscat who is showcasing herb-infused water. He said several others from Oman were selling honey, bakhoor and perfumes.
Two major landscaping businesses have stolen the show with their vibrant floral design and water-themed vegetable and fruit booths. It captivated Belarusian dentist Natillia Litvinovich, 38, from Salman City and her husband Ali Salem, a retired 50-year-old, and her mum Nina.
“I love it so much,” Ms Litvinovich said. “I hope I will find all the things I need to create my roof garden.”
The show will be open to the public, for free, from today to Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
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