Land distribution benefits 19 Bahraini farmers

TDT | Manama

A total of 19 agricultural lands were distributed to farmers in the A’ali area with a 10- year contract, as part of efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in the Kingdom, said at top Agriculture and Maritime Resources officials in the Works Ministry, according to an Al Ayam report.

Dr Nabil Muhammad Abul-Fateh, the Undersecretary of Agriculture and Maritime Resources at the Ministry of Works, said the contracts awarded are extendable for a similar period and aims at “ensuring the sustainability of activities in the agricultural sector.”

The authority, Dr Abul-Fateh said, puts the prime priority on “caring for farmers and enabling them to play a significant role in supporting national efforts to achieve food security.”

“Based on this approach, the Agricultural Agency was keen to open communication channels with the Bahrain Agricultural Cooperative Society.” Minister Essam Khalaf during a recent meeting with the society has discussed a set of initiatives to upgrade the sector, especially in marketing their products.

Allocation of spaces for farmers in the Manama central market as well as the importance of Bahraini farmers market in displaying local produces at Budaiya Botanical Garden were discussed.

Dr Nabil Muhammad Abul-Fateh said the agency also met with the association’s board of directors in February this year and agreed to issue agricultural cards, in partnership with the association.

Discussions also focused on the support Tamkeen’s Labour Fund provides to farmers and ways to develop mechanisms to improve production quantity and quality.

Dr Abul-Fateh said the authority made seven contracts with various companies to grow crops here by using soil-less cultivation techniques as well as employing artificial intelligence systems.

On providing government support and incentives to farmers, the undersecretary said the agency provides up to 60 per cent discount for purchasing modern irrigation system, pesticides, greenhouse covers, etc.

The agency, he said, also provides some free services, such as the Red Palm Weevil Control Project, which covers all regions of the Kingdom, in addition to delivering treated wastewater for agricultural use.

Dr Abul-Fateh affirmed that the agency spares no effort to achieve the goals of the sustainable development strategy for the agricultural sector and works to overcome any obstacles that may arise