Agriculture Minister highlights importance of palm cultivation at festival

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, His Excellency Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, has emphasised the significance of palm cultivation in Bahrain, not only as a historical legacy but also as a key factor in promoting environmental sustainability and sustainable agricultural development.

Speaking at the inauguration of the fifth edition of the “Palm Tree Bounty” Festival, Eng. Al Mubarak highlighted the industry’s role in enhancing national agricultural products, diversifying income sources, and contributing to food security.

The event, held at the permanent farmers’ market in Hawrat Aali, will run until today and features a wide range of palm-related products, including dates and traditional handicrafts.

The festival was attended by notable figures such as H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, Ms. Dalal Al Ghais, CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Group, and the CEO of the Labour Fund, Tamkeen.

Eng. Al Mubarak underscored the Ministry’s dedication to preserving Bahrain’s agricultural heritage by developing the palm sector through genetic complexes for local varieties and the application of modern agricultural technologies. An atlas of the most important date palm varieties in the Arab Gulf countries is also being prepared.

Royal support Shaikha Maram praised the unwavering support from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leadership, emphasising the cultural importance of palm trees. She expressed gratitude to the Bahrain Development Bank for the festival’s organization and lauded the variety and quality of the products displayed.

Al Ghais acknowledged the collaborative efforts of various organisations, noting that the festival provides an ideal platform for farmers and productive families to showcase their products. She emphasised the bank’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and enhancing its contribution to the local economy.

The festival, organised by the Farmers Market Management of the Bahrain Development Bank Group, in collaboration with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, aims to encourage local palm product production and celebrate Bahraini agricultural identity.

It also supports local farmers by offering them opportunities to promote their products.