Bahraini farmers can now apply for subsidised urea fertiliser under a community partnership that brings together the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) and the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD).
Registration opened yesterday for farmers seeking to benefit from the GPIC-supported fertiliser scheme and will continue until October 8.
Agriculture Under-Secretary Assem Abdullatif said the initiative reflected the importance of partnerships in strengthening Bahrain’s agricultural sector and providing farmers with essential production requirements.
“The ministry and the NIAD have an important role in supporting the development and sustainability of the agricultural sector, while partnerships with national companies such as GPIC provide practical support that directly benefits Bahraini farmers,” he said.
A total of 25 tonnes of urea fertiliser, equivalent to 500 bags weighing 50kg each, will be made available under the initiative.
Mr Abdullatif said the support was aimed at helping active Bahraini farmers meet part of their production needs while ensuring that the available fertiliser is distributed according to the actual cultivated area of each eligible farm.
“This initiative forms part of our continuing efforts to support Bahraini farmers, strengthen local agricultural production and ensure the availability of essential inputs,” he said.
Applicants must be Bahraini citizens and have a farm registered with the Agriculture Affairs department.
The farm must also be actively used for agricultural purposes at the time of the assessment.
The ministry will verify the cultivated area using its records, with field inspections carried out where necessary.
Mr Abdullatif stressed that checking the actual agricultural area would help ensure that the fertiliser reaches genuine agricultural activities and is distributed fairly according to production needs.
He also highlighted the importance of continued co-operation between government bodies, national companies and agricultural stakeholders in supporting farmers and advancing the objectives of the NIAD.
The latest scheme adds to the efforts being taken to develop Bahrain’s agricultural sector, with fertiliser and other production inputs playing a key role in maintaining farm productivity and encouraging local food production.
Eligible farmers have until October 8 to submit their applications and required documents.
Applications can be made by visiting the Production Follow-up and Agricultural Services Section office in Hoorat A’ali, or by sending the required documents via WhatsApp to 17981412 during the registration period.
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