Manama: The farmers’ market in Hoorat A’ali has had over 60,000 visitors since it’s inception in February, it’s organisers revealed. The market has been a huge success, organisers said yesterday. Organised by the The National Initiative for Agricultural Development with the co-operation of Bahrain Development Bank (BDB) and the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture and Urban Planning, the market was launched on February 28.

Group CEO of Bahrain Development Bank Sanjeev Paul said that the market has been successfully fulfilling the demand for locally-produced fruits and vegetables. He said that the market continues to attract people in summer as well as winter seasons. “The market has been an immense success. Since its opening, the market has attracted a large number of visitors. The number of visitors has reached more than 60,000 until July 24, excluding the 35 visits from different societies, social centers, schools as well as the official visits,” he said.

The market covers a space of 1,875 square metre and provides a parking space for more than 110 vehicles. More than six major events have been carried out in the market including Ramadan Bazaar, Labour Day Festival, The R Bazaar and now the Palm Tree Festival. He said that BDB will continue to host special events to spread awareness about the market and to give visitors a special experience.

“The market is designed to embrace a wide range of high-quality agricultural products which include fruits, vegetables, dates, roses, etc. There are 48 stalls including, restaurants, cafes, productive families, farmers and flower nurseries,” the BDB said in a statement.

Festival

A special event ‘Palm Tree Festival’ is being held at the farmers market. The event featured a number of entertaining and cultural activities with the participation of a group of Bahraini farmers, companies and craftsmen exhibiting and selling products extracted from the palm trees.

“The festival which will continue till today is aimed at encouraging and supporting the local production of all palm tree products including the different types of dates which is very well known for its quality and taste in Bahrain and the region.

“The event will also provide an opportunity to the local farmers to promote their products to the public and increase their selling margins and investments,” the BDB stated.

“A small handicrafts exhibition is featured in the festival to highlight the Bahraini traditional crafts and document the lifestyle of our ancestors. There is also a children’s corner which focus on educational and cultural workshops in addition to agricultural activities, computer games, face painting,” it stated.