Infrastructure for farmers will be further developed to enable them to increase agricultural production and boost food security.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak pledged more assistance as he visited local farms in Hoorat A’ali to inspect production and facilities, and assess the needs of farmers at the start of the agricultural season.
National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) secretary general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa and top officials were also present.
Mr Al Mubarak was briefed by farmers and residents on the progress of work on agricultural lands.
“Bahraini farmers and locally grown crops are crucial in enhancing the contribution of the kingdom’s agricultural sector and to achieve self-sufficiency,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
“Hoorat A’ali has the capability to support the government’s strategy towards achieving sustainable food security and the ministry will continue to develop facilities and promote cutting-edge technologies for farmers in the area.
“This comes as part of directives from His Majesty King Hamad, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and NIAD consultative council president.”
Support
Shaikha Maram reiterated NIAD’s firm support for farmers, stressing the need to increase local food production, especially traditional Bahraini produce.
“We listened to farmers’ proposals and want to contribute towards initiatives that will benefit them,” said Shaikha Maram.
“The agricultural season is beginning now, meaning it is the best time for us to act and help local farmers.”
The citizens thanked Mr Al Mubarak and Shaikha Maram for their keenness to develop agriculture. They said they were looking forward to using modern technologies to improve quantity and quality and boost food security in the country.
Meanwhile, more than 200 saplings have been distributed by the Capital Governorate to houses in Tubli as part of the Buthoor Al Bahrain (Seeds of Bahrain) campaign.
It’s part of the Building Smart, Green and Sustainable Cities project, and is being conducted in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation and other local entities.
Residents can suggest tree-planting locations and a mobile seeds truck will distribute saplings and engage with communities across Bahrain.
The GDN reported in March that Bahrain was fast-tracking efforts to roll out innovative agricultural projects as part of its strategy to boost food self-sufficiency.
Six locations have been earmarked for hydroponic farming and yield from the 41 hectares of land would cover 10 per cent to 20pc of the country’s vegetable needs, Mr Al Mubarak had said.
Tenders for two locations in Hoorat A’ali and Duraz have been issued while the four other locations are in the process of being registered for soil-less farming projects, he added.
The minister said the government has introduced an agricultural investment classification to encourage business in the sector. He added they were also encouraging people to start hydroponic farming projects in non-agricultural classified plots as well.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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