Boosting food security

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is looking forward to strengthening partnerships with the private sector in fish farming ventures, said Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister, Essam Khalaf. The move, the minister said, is aimed at increasing the productivity of the Bahrain National Mariculture Centre (NMC) in Ras Hayan.

“Attracting more private sector companies to investment projects in the sector is critical to maximise local fish production and achieve self-sufficiency,” the minister stressed. This came as the minister paid a visit to NMC, along with the Agriculture and Marine Resources Undersecretary, Dr Nabeel Abu Al-Fateh, and senior Marine biologist, Bassam Al-Showeikh.

The minister was informed about the general condition of NMC’s facilities and stressed the importance of their maintenance ahead of the new fish farming season. He also followed up on the efforts being exerted to prepare lands allocated for the private sector.

Bahrain has earlier launched a National Programme for Training Local Competencies in Fish Farming to train participants to build fish farms cost-effectively using locally available resources. Besides, a deal was also signed in May to establish a new aquaculture venture in Bahrain as part of a plan to improve food security.

During the signing, the Ministry of agriculture and marine resources Under-Secretary Dr Nabeel Abu Al Fateh said the new facility will be located near the National Aquaculture Centre in Ras Hayyan in the southern governorate.