Attention fruit-lovers!

This week’s edition of the Farmers Market, which opens tomorrow, will give Budaiya a chance to taste some of the best berries the Kingdom has to offer at the ‘mulberry festival’. Thousands are expected to visit the Market in Budaiya which will showcase several varieties of locally grown mulberries, alongside locally grown fruits and vegetables. The market, however, is not limited to mulberries alone, as other types of berries including strawberries will also be on sale.

“Around 20 farmers will be selling various types of berries there,” an organiser told Tribune adding: “Berry seeds suitable for sprouting at home will be available for purchase at the venue.” Speaking about the entertainment activities, the organiser said those interested can also participate in a berry cultivation workshop. The previous festival, held as a children’s spring festival, drew in around 22,000 visitors a day, organisers said adding, “Festivals such as these are being held as a leisure destination for families.”  Now in its seventh edition, the market got off to a packed start on December 8.

“The market is extremely popular and has been packed every week, which is also bigger and better than previous years,” the organisers said.  Now after five months, the market, set up at the Agriculture Centre in Budaiya Botanical Garden, is serving as a perfect platform for local farmers to sell their fresh produce. Organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development in the co-operation with the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and Urban Planning, the market was established to promote Bahrain’s homegrown Agricultural produce and to support local farmers.

Over the years it has become extremely popular with thousands visiting the market every week from December to April every year More than 40 farmers are participating in the market this year. Apart from the Agricultural produce, it also features a section for traditional crafts, restaurants, and entertainment activities for children.  The market is being held every Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm until April 27th.  

The market is apart from the farmers market at Hoorat A’ali. The  Hoorat A’ali market is organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development with the co-operation of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and Urban Planning and has also been a huge success since it launched.