Bahrain will continue strengthening local production and diversifying food sources while ensuring the stability of domestic markets, a senior official reaffirmed yesterday.
Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak visited the General Poultry Company to follow up on national establishments in the food sector and ensure the sustainable availability of essential food commodities.
The ministry’s Agriculture Affairs and Animal Wealth Affairs Under-Secretary Asim Abdulla and General Poultry Company board of directors chairman Sami Zainal were also present.
During the visit, Mr Al Mubarak received a detailed briefing on the company’s operations and reviewed new projects and expansion plans designed to boost production capacity and improve overall operational efficiency.
He affirmed that enhancing local production remains a steadfast national priority to boost Bahrain’s food security.
“It is important to continue developing national productive sectors and raising their efficiency, which contributes to higher self-sufficiency,” he said.
“It is also crucial to ensure the sustainability of food commodities, and to strengthen the kingdom’s strategic stock. The ministry is committed to closely monitoring the efforts of national companies in the food sector and supporting their expansion and growth by providing the necessary facilities.
“This, in turn, strengthens the private sector’s role as a vital partner in implementing the National Food Security Strategy.”
Mr Al Mubarak highlighted the importance of integrated efforts between government entities and the private sector, particularly during the current circumstances. He confirmed that the ministry will continue to adopt initiatives and projects that support the development of agricultural and livestock production, alongside policies and plans that enhance the sustainability of the food sector.
Meanwhile, Mr Zainal commended the continuous support provided by the ministry to the animal production sector. He emphasised that this will strengthen the company’s capacity for expansion and project development, leading to higher production levels and supporting efforts to enhance food security in Bahrain.
According to the latest figures by the Bahrain Open Data Portal (data.gov.bh), Bahrain on average produces around 8,400 tonnes of chicken meat for consumption per year. This is in addition to around 100 million eggs per year on average, an almost 60 per cent increase since 2015.
The GDN reported this week that four urgent proposals, aimed at easing economic pressure, protecting consumers and supporting food security were unanimously approved by MPs and referred to the Cabinet for review.
One of the motions urges authorities to tighten oversight on subsidised flour to prevent price manipulation and misuse of government support.
Two separate urgent proposals focused on fisheries and food supply, calling for the temporary suspension of existing bans due to regional security tensions and supply chain disruption.
Strategic Thinking Bloc spokesman Khalid Bu Onk said continuing to enforce Resolution No (2) of 2024 – which bans the fishing of safi, sheri and andaq – from April 1 to May 31 risks worsening shortages and price hikes.
MPs said the proposals share the common goal of protecting livelihoods, stabilising markets and easing pressure on citizens and businesses during exceptional circumstances.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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