Manama: Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, conducted a field visit to the Bahraini Farmers' Market at Al Budaiya Botanical Garden. The visit included the participation of Ebrahim bin Hasan Al Hawaj, Minister of Works; Fatima bint Jaafar Al Sairafi, Minister of Tourism; Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD); representatives from stc Bahrain and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC); several Members of Parliament; Hassan Abdullah Al Madani, Northern Governor; Dr. Sayed Shubbar Ebrahim Al Wedai, Chairman of the Northern Municipal Council; and various officials.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the minister emphasized that the Farmers' Market serves as a crucial national platform, reflecting Bahrain's commitment to integrating Bahraini farmers into the food security system. This initiative aligns with the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to sustain the agricultural sector as a contributor to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Government Programme.
The minister also highlighted the ongoing support provided to the Farmers' Market by Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and President of the Supreme Council for Women and President of the Advisory Council of the NIAD, which has strengthened the market's role as a crucial platform for supporting local produce.
The ministry remains committed to continuing qualitative initiatives in collaboration with relevant partners to enhance the agricultural sector and boost its competitiveness, thereby reinforcing its role in the Kingdom's food security system. The minister acknowledged the support provided to the market by NIAD and partnering companies.
Community partnership with stc Bahrain and GPIC was highlighted as a successful model of public-private sector integration, directly impacting the support of farmers and promoting the sustainability of agricultural production. The minister also praised the role of official bodies and private sector institutions in ensuring the success of the Farmers' Market activities.
The Farmers' Market's fifth week saw strong attendance from citizens, residents, and visitors from within and outside Bahrain, showcasing a wide range of Bahraini agricultural products, food products, and agro-industrial goods. The market features Bahraini farmers representing diverse agricultural production, specialized agricultural companies, plant nurseries, small enterprises, and productive families, as well as date outlets and apiaries.
In addition to the agricultural offerings, the market includes restaurants and caf©s, along with an integrated program of accompanying activities, such as traditional performances by the Dar Al Budaiya Band, agricultural and artistic training workshops, and activities targeting different segments of society.