A call has gone out to the government to promote ‘fusion farming’, with MPs saying the approach could help create new varieties of fruit and vegetables, open lucrative markets and place the kingdom at the forefront of agricultural innovation.
The proposal, spearheaded by Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee chairman and Strategic Thinking Bloc president Ahmed Al Salloom, urges the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry and Tamkeen to provide technical, financial and logistical support to farmers interested in developing hybrid crops suited to Bahrain’s climate.
Legislators say the concept – using modern biotechnology to crossbreed plants – could help diversify local agricultural production, create premium Bahraini-grown products and generate new business opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs.
Mr Al Salloom stressed that Bahrain has the expertise and determination needed to become a regional leader in agricultural innovation.
“Bahraini farmers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to adapt, innovate and succeed despite limited land and challenging climatic conditions,” he said.
“With the right support, research facilities, financing mechanisms and agricultural incubators, they can develop unique varieties of fruits and vegetables that carry a distinctly Bahraini identity and compete in specialised regional and international markets.”
He said the proposal aligned with national goals to strengthen food security, encourage entrepreneurship and reduce reliance on imported produce.
The proposal has also received backing from Capital Trustees Board vice-chairwoman Dr Khulood Al Qattan, who described the initiative as a forward-looking investment in Bahrain’s food future.
“Modern agriculture is increasingly driven by innovation and scientific research,” she said.
“Developing new crop varieties can improve resilience against climate challenges while creating products that are unique to Bahrain.
“This could strengthen local food production, support small businesses and encourage young Bahrainis to explore careers in agriculture and agri-technology.”
Bahraini farmers have already successfully produced hybrid yellow watermelons using controlled environments, but Dr Al Qattan believes there is potential to expand far beyond a limited number of crops.
Yellow watermelons grown in Bahrain are F1 hybrids developed from multiple seed varieties to help them thrive in the local climate, experts have said.
F1 hybrid seeds (short for ‘Filial 1’) are the first-generation offspring of two distinctly different parent plants. Breeders cross-pollinate these purebred varieties to combine desirable traits, resulting in uniform plants with strong disease resistance and high yields.
A farmer told the GDN that hybrid cultivation techniques remain in the early stages, with further testing required, and noted that watermelon is currently the only successfully bred and marketed crop.
Dr Al Qattan, who is also Bahrain Small and Medium Enterprises Development Society vice-chairwoman, stressed that partnerships between government bodies, research institutions and the private sector would be essential for the success of fusion farming.
“We are at a crossroads between expanding significantly or continuing with conventional farming that only produces limited quantities at fair quality,” she said. “There is an opportunity to scale up and it needs a roadmap with proper planning and direction.”
Meanwhile, Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said municipalities were ready to play a supporting role in advancing agricultural initiatives that benefit communities and contribute to national development.
Mr Abdullatif
“We need to look beyond traditional approaches and embrace innovative agricultural practices that maximise productivity and create new economic opportunities,” he said.
“Fusion farming could help farmers achieve higher-value yields while strengthening Bahrain’s reputation for quality local produce. It also complements wider sustainability objectives and supports efforts to make the agricultural sector more attractive and profitable.”
Advocates of the proposal believe Bahrain’s agricultural landscape, already known for producing premium tomatoes, cucumbers, dates and leafy vegetables, could be expanded through carefully developed hybrid crops that offer enhanced flavour, resilience and commercial appeal.
The proposal has been referred to Parliament’s public utilities and environment affairs committee for review.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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