Farmers in Bahrain have been urged to stop burning agricultural waste, as the practice can degrade soil quality and pose a fire risk to nearby buildings.
The appeal by a senior official follows a recent Interior Ministry report revealing that Civil Defence teams were dispatched to 864 locations across the kingdom in recent years to prevent fires from spreading.
Hidd Police Station head Colonel Dr Osama Bahar called on agricultural workers to adopt recycling methods wherever possible.
Speaking on the Interior Ministry’s Al Aman social media programme, he noted that the continued burning of agricultural waste stems from longstanding but misguided beliefs.
“When we were young, we thought that burning agricultural waste in Bahrain contributed to agricultural development,” said Col Dr Bahar.
“However, the reality is that this practice can actually reduce soil quality by up to 25 per cent.
“Consequently, farmers are forced to spend additional money on fertilisers and vitamins to restore the land’s fertility and promote better plant growth.”
Beyond the financial impact, Col Dr Bahar warned that the smoke produced by burning agricultural waste poses serious health risks.
He explained that these fires release black carbon, which contains microscopic particles known as PM2.5. These particles are especially dangerous because they can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, contributing to respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis, as well as cardiovascular problems including heart attacks. They are also linked to higher mortality rates, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and individuals with existing heart or lung conditions.
Despite being far smaller than a strand of hair, these particles can trigger inflammation and are linked to chronic diseases, making them a major global health concern that affects an estimated seven million people each year.
Col Dr Bahar further explained that fire can easily spread beyond agricultural waste piles and threaten a farmer’s livelihood if proper precautions are not taken.
In Bahrain, the General Directorate of Civil Defence responded to 864 incidents involving agricultural waste fires in recent years. Last August, the GDN reported a fire at an agricultural waste site in Sanad that required Civil Defence intervention.
“The fire can spread to the very crops you are trying to protect,” Col Dr Bahar said.
“Sometimes, it can spread to nearby buildings and houses located close to the farm. All this is happening simply because a farmer is trying to manage waste.
“If he cannot control the fire, it may spread rapidly and ultimately cost him his source of income. Instead of burning them, the advice is to make use of the agricultural waste and recycle it.”
Recycling agricultural waste involves converting crop residues and manure into valuable resources like biochar, and biogas through methods like composting. Farmers can use these methods for soil health, to generate revenue, and transform stalks, leaves, and manure into natural fertilisers or soil conditioners.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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