THE popular Bahrain Farmers Market will make its much-awaited return later this month, bringing together local farmers, brands and artisans.
The new edition of the annual event will be held at the Budaiya Botanical Garden from November 29 until February 14, and is being organised by the Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Ministry in partnership with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD).
In announcing the opening date of the market, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak highlighted the strong royal support the agricultural sector continues to receive from His Majesty King Hamad, who regards it as a key pillar of national food security.
Mr Al Mubarak
The minister noted that the royal vision has been translated into tangible programmes under the leadership of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to develop the sector and encourage private investment in agriculture.
He praised the long-standing partnership with the NIAD, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and NIAD advisory council chairperson, which has played an instrumental role in the market’s continued success and sustainability.
He also commended the private sector’s contribution, represented by stc Bahrain, whose ongoing support strengthened the market’s role in promoting local produce and advancing agricultural innovation.
“The aim of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market is to boost local agricultural production by providing a direct marketing platform that connects farmers with consumers, thereby encouraging them to diversify their products and innovate new varieties that meet local market demands,” said Mr Al Mubarak.
This year’s edition will feature 32 local farmers, alongside a number of agricultural companies, productive families, nurseries and beekeepers, honey producers and local craftspeople.
Handicraft activities will also be included, alongside educational and recreational programmes for children.
The venue will also feature restaurants and cafés to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Meanwhile, NIAD secretary-general Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa affirmed that the continued support extended to the agricultural sector by the King and HRH Prince Salman formed the cornerstone for developing local agricultural production projects.
Shaikha Maram
She added that the continued follow-up of HRH Princess Sabeeka has contributed to advancing the development of the agricultural sector and enhancing its productivity.
“The Bahraini Farmers Market has become a prominent platform, attracting thousands of visitors from within and outside the kingdom, which reflects public confidence in national agricultural products and reinforces the market’s position as a distinguished destination for Bahraini farmers,” said Shaikha Maram.
“I would also like to commend the ongoing partnership between the ministry and NIAD in implementing farmer support programmes and emphasising the importance of increasing private sector participation in such developmental initiatives.”
The GDN reported last week that registration for the event closed after a strong response from applicants.
The ministry confirmed that participants would be selected following field inspections to ensure quality and compliance with participation standards.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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