Bahraini Farmers Market wraps up successful season
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Report by Zainab Zaman
The 11th edition of the beloved Bahraini Farmer’s Market concluded yesterday (March 10), leaving a void for many fans, local vendors, and farmers.
. The vibrant atmosphere, brimming with colourful food stalls and happy customers, will be dearly missed.
Fresh, high-quality produce reigned supreme, with tomatoes and chili peppers topping the charts as visitor favourites.
While the market may be over, residents can still find these locally grown delights at designated locations across Bahrain, from Salmabad to Karranah.
The final yesterday witnessed a flurry of activity, with shoppers stocking up on everything from seasonal vegetables to Ramadan essentials. For Gosia Wljtowicz, a customer, the market offered unbeatable quality and convenience.
“I live near Budaiya highway and it was so convenient for me to visit the market every Saturday for locally-grown produce,” she shared, expressing her sadness at missing the market’s signature tomatoes.
Al Ojaimi Farm wins best decoration award
Flowers were another highlight, bringing joy to visitors like Ahmed AlOraibi.
“Buying flowers at the farmers market made my Saturdays so much better. I love the range of options I got to create my bouquet,” he said, reflecting on the joy of being able to find his favourite flowers while strolling the market and exchanging smiles with the friendly crowd.
Riza Besana, a regular vendor, will miss interacting with her loyal and friendly customers, while Holly Oneil, who has been hosting workshops for visitors and painting and planting seeds in pots, yearns for the opportunity to share her passion for planting with next year’s attendees.
First-timers Reyes and Kristine from Amwaj expressed regret for not attending sooner, captivated by the market’s freshness and friendly spirit.
“I wish we had come every weekend. The market is so well equipped with fresh produce and the farmers are so friendly,” Reyes said.
Family legacy
Among the 33 participating farmers, Aqeel Al Ojaimi of Aqeel Al Ojaimi Farms stood out with his award-winning stand decoration and unique, colourful cauliflowers.
Following a family legacy, Al Ojaimi is passionate about sharing his craft with his son.
His playful presentation, featuring smiling cartoon faces on tomatoes, exemplifies his dedication to attracting customers.
Al Ojaimi is proud of his farm’s reputation for rare purple and green cauliflowers, emphasizing their health benefits and skilled staff.
“I am so grateful that we have been acknowledged for our unique produce and stand decoration.
My farm is specifically known for our colourful purple and green cauliflowers that are rare to find at the farmers market a n d have many health benefits,” Al Ojaimi said.
“Our farm is equipped with the best staff and I love that I can pass down my love for farming to my son,” he added.
Customer Hanan Elsherbini stocked up on herbs, flowers, and a variety of vegetables, praising the market’s affordability.
“I love the farmers market. I would love to see working hours at the market to accommodate Ramadan. Half of the produce I bought today is tomatoes.
I also bought kale, lettuce, cucumbers, and pumpkins for the first time at the farmers market” she said, noting that the prices are affordable.
Collective sentiment
With a promise to return next year, Riza Besana, a seller of plants, embodies the collective sentiment. “
I am not ready to say goodbye to the market just yet. I can’t wait for next year’s edition as the setup and attendees keep getting better,” she said.
Beyond the delectable produce, the farmers market fostered a sense of community and a space for creating lasting memories.
The Local Farmer’s Market by STC Bahrain may be over for now, but the spirit of local agriculture, friendly interaction, and fresh finds will undoubtedly return for its 12th edition.
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