Anxious almond lovers snapped up every available one within 30 minutes of a special farming festival opening its gates last night.
The almond is an edible and widely-cultivated seed of the tree of the same name and is being celebrated for two consecutive Saturdays at Budaiya Botanical Gardens.
Around 500kg of almonds were purchased by shoppers at BD6 a kilo at the venue which regularly stages the popular farmers market.
The festival, organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and held in partnership with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), the Bahrain Agricultural Co-operative Society and the Northern Municipal Council, aims to highlight the agricultural and cultural value of the almond and sow the seeds for a larger industry on the island.
Farmer Merza Mansoor, who owns land in Zallaq, has reintroduced production but said almond scarcity and demand had driven its price up.
“We have 1,500 trees on our farm but the maximum crop presently is only around 50kg a day as the trees need around three years to mature,” said the 48-year-old.
“We should eventually be able to produce one tonne a day but it will take time.
“We have just revived the plantation with some government support. With technological innovation we hope prices will drop back to around BD1 a kilo by 2027, although even at BD6 a kilo people cannot get enough of a good thing!
“Around 500kg were sold out in 30 minutes and I don’t know how we will be able to meet such a huge demand next week.”
NIAD secretary-general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa said that within 30 minutes of the 4.30pm official inauguration of the festival, all the almonds had been sold.
“This is a positive sign that there is much appeal from the public for local produce,” she added.
“We will hopefully continue to stage specialised locally-produced fruits and vegetables festivals throughout the year, in partnership with the authorities, here or at the permanent Bahraini Farmers Market in Howrat A’ali.
“Our aim is to provide the services and technologies needed to accommodate the farmers, as we develop the agricultural scene. Also, any proposals are welcome.”
Speaking at the event, the ministry’s agriculture and marine resources under-secretary Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan said the ministry and partners were keen to build on the success of these types of national events.
“We have locals, residents and even GCC nationals coming here to buy almonds and this reflects its popularity,” he said.
“It is a comprehensive festival as, in addition to presenting the manufacturing industries of almonds, and providing information and guiding publications on almond varieties, methods of cultivation and how to handle harmful pests, we will be conducting activities for children related to the almond tree as a local symbol of our heritage.
“We will also plant 1,000 almond seedlings at cultivation sites to be determined.”
Fifteen farmers and three productive families are participating in the event highlighting four distinct varieties of almonds.
Hot and dry summers with plenty of sunshine and water, alongside cool frost-free winters, are the ideal growing conditions.
The tree can grow up to 35 metres, with an upright, symmetrical crown and horizontal branches.
It produces a green fruit, which ripens to yellow and red, containing a single seed. In addition, the leaves and bark have been used in herbal medicines to treat a variety of ailments, from dysentery and diarrhoea to liver disease.
Festival attendee Jassim Al Jowder, 50, who was accompanied by his family, said he bought several almond seedlings to plant at his Wadi Al Sail home.
“I’ve been searching a long time for almond seedlings and here I find them and not only that, the farmers said they are willing to plant them at my home for free and take care of them,” he said.
“Being an avid gardener, I want Bahraini mangoes and pineapple seedlings to plant in my home garden too. Let’s see what the upcoming festivals present us with.”
Council chairman Dr Sayed Subbar Al Wedaie was delighted by the success of the event.
“This product has to be further showcased as part of Bahraini heritage if we are to generate even more interest,” he said. “I applaud this move and will be looking for more.”
The festival builds on the success of the Bahrain Farmers Market, which was held last year under the theme: ‘Our Harvest is Bahraini’.
The GDN previously reported that the 10th edition of the market, which closed before Ramadan, attracted 250,000 visitors.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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