King Hamad Prize for Agricultural Development fifth edition launched

TDT | Manama  

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The fifth edition of the King Hamad Prize for Agriculture, which aims to create a positive competitive environment for agricultural project owners, farmers and researchers in the agricultural field, was announced yesterday.

Held under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalia, president of the Consultative Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), the prize also aims to preserve agricultural ecosystems, increase agricultural output and its contribution to the GDP, help achieve relative food security, and promote innovation and the use of modern agricultural techniques.

An additional objective is encouraging scientific research in the agricultural field in a way that contributes to the development and sustainability of the sector. The total value of the King Hamad Prize for Agricultural Development is BD40,000. Two winners from the two sub-categories of the Best Agricultural Project will be awarded a cash prize of BD10,000.

Two farmers will be honored in the Best Bahraini Farmer prize, and each of them will receive a cash prize of BD5,000. In the Agricultural Research & Studies, two researchers will be honored, and each will receive a cash prize of BD5,000.

The King Hamad Prize for Agricultural Development is awarded in three categories - the Best Agricultural Project, the Best Bahraini Farmer and the Best Agricultural Research and Studies. The Best Agricultural Project Prize comprises two sub-categories.

The first sub-category is for the best production project that produces outstanding agricultural crops or ornamental plants, and contributes to supporting the national economy and food security. Projects will be recognized for their use of modern agricultural technology, following effective and smart marketing methods, their commitment to protecting the local environment, and to enhancing the capabilities of Bahraini workforce and increasing their participation in the agricultural sector.

The second sub-category is for the Best Agricultural Support Project. It recognises their role in supporting and sustaining productive agricultural projects, and increasing the diversity of products and the number of workers in this sector. Such projects include engineering and agricultural consultancies, and designers and builders of irrigation systems and greenhouses. It also includes producers and sellers of seeds, fertilizers and nutrients, agricultural pest control.