Enhancing Inspection and Monitoring of Agricultural and Livestock Products in Bahrain

Manama, Bahrain – The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs has announced that the total agricultural and livestock imports to the Kingdom of Bahrain for 2024 are projected to exceed 522,000 tons. Engineer Asem Abdul Latif Abdullah, the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Wealth, emphasized that agricultural products will constitute the majority of these imports. He highlighted the ministry's efforts to enhance inspection and monitoring at all customs points to ensure the quality and safety of imported products in accordance with the highest health and veterinary standards.

In 2024, agricultural imports are expected to surpass 431,000 tons, including a variety of vegetables and fruits sourced from 134 countries. This diversification aims to meet local market demands and ensure a stable food supply. The total livestock imports, which include live animals, red and white meats, and their products, are anticipated to reach 91,612 tons, reflecting a rising demand for animal products in the Kingdom.

Abdul Latif noted that Bahrain's customs points received over 155,000 heads of livestock in 2024. He assured that all incoming shipments of live animals undergo rigorous inspections, including veterinary and laboratory tests, to ensure they are free from infectious diseases. Quarantine procedures are implemented according to international standards before allowing distribution in local markets, thereby enhancing food security in the Kingdom.

Additionally, Abdul Latif pointed out that Khalifa Bin Salman Port received the highest number of shipments, followed by the King Fahd Causeway and Bahrain International Airport. The ministry is committed to applying the highest standards of monitoring and inspection to guarantee the safety of imported agricultural and livestock products across all customs points in the Kingdom. In 2024, the ministry conducted over 12,000 laboratory tests on agricultural and livestock products at various points of entry to ensure compliance with health and food safety standards.

The Undersecretary reaffirmed the commitment to implementing strict regulatory measures at all customs points and fostering ongoing collaboration with local and international authorities to ensure the safe and sustainable flow of food supplies, contributing to food security and enhancing the quality of products available in the Bahraini market.