THOUSANDS of people flocked to the Budaiya Botanical Garden as the 11th edition of the Bahraini Farmers Market got underway yesterday.
Scores of people were seen queuing up outside the gates of the garden before the market opened at 8am.
This year, seven new areas have been added to the market, including the palm oasis, games, a theatre, an area for children, an improved entrance area and space to hold training workshops.
Thirty-three farmers, four agricultural companies, four nurseries, two beehive enterprises, two date producers and 15 productive families are exhibiting at the market this year.
The craftsmen’s area has also been developed and 16 new platforms for restaurants have been added.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak accompanied by Social Development Minister Osama Al Asfoor officially inaugurated the market and they were joined by other officials and dignitaries including Northern Municipal Council chairman Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie and Northern Governor Ali Al Asfoor.
The market, overseen by the ministry’s Under-Secretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources Dr Khalid Hassan and assistant under-secretary Mohammed Al Oraibi, is being held under the theme ‘Local Produce Champions’.
“There is a commitment to provide all necessary support for farmers to elevate and develop the agricultural sector,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“We are introducing new high-standard initiatives in partnership with relevant parties which not only help farm output to grow but also strategises a roadmap for food security and local dependence,” he added.
“The market is a vital propeller to all of what we aim to achieve and this is why it is seeing massive changes.
“People from GCC countries come to the market every Saturday because they see it as a comprehensive destination for entertainment, recreation, shopping and tourism.”
Meanwhile, National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) secretary-general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa stressed it was an auspicious moment to see the market return and with it thousands of people.
“Our support to the market stems from our commitment to provide platforms for farmers to excel, grow and develop,” she added.
“Seeing thousands of people show interest by coming is a motivation for the farmers to diversify their produce and grow more products within their farms.”
Ali Al Asfoor said the market was integral as the Northern Governorate was seeking recognition as a Healthy Governorate from the UN after A’ali won that status.
He added that hydroponic gardening has helped the growth of new organic healthy products in Bahrain.
Dr Al Wedaie agreed the market was instrumental in showcasing farmers’ creativity and innovation.
“The food strategy doesn’t just need quantity, but also quality, and this market is an indicator in that there is strong investment in providing the public with the best.”
Visiting with his family, Hussain Al A’ali, aged 32, said the market was a favourable Saturday destination.
“It just has it all, everything that a family wants to make its day enjoyable.”
Farmer Haidar Hamza, 38, urged organisers to open the market earlier in December.
“Our customers, expats or Bahrainis with children in private schools, are holidaying abroad and will come back after New Year and the market should have opened two weeks ago.
“But, the response is very good, although we always want it to be excellent.”
Meanwhile, market creative director Sayed Hashim Sharaf said work to uplift the market and enhance social spaces is something that was currently under work.
“Previously, there were two sections, but now there will be 14 zones, opening each week as we progress,” he added.
“The experience matters and we want people to feel interested long-term and on a weekly basis and for that we have to get must-see or must-do attractions that are fresh and new.”
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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