Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, the Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), has stated that the Bahraini Farmers’ Market, set to open on Saturday at the Budaiya Botanical Garden, is currently undergoing a major revamp, with the support of stc Bahrain, to develop its various facilities, in cooperation with NIAD.

The development work of the 11th Bahraini Farmers’ Market aims to improve the Market’s various aspects and expand it so that it can accommodate the largest number of Bahraini farmers in a way that supports the Bahraini products and contributes to enhancing food security in Bahrain, Shaikha Maram said.

She indicated that the development plan of the market’s site is taking place in two phases.

Regarding the first phase, which has been completed, includes the development of the areas devoted to farmers, the traditional market, food and children, in addition to developing the bathrooms, the handicrafts and “Kashta” areas, the entrances and parking spaces, she said, adding that buses have also been provided to transport market visitors from the parking lots to the market.

Concerning the second phase, to be implemented in January 2024, it will include the development of the lake, theatre, games area, training workshops and the palm oasis areas, she added.

NIAD Secretary-General indicated that the infrastructure of the farmers’ market has also been developed comprehensively, giving the market a new identity, and providing more facilities to farmers and visitors, which will offer the latter a unique shopping experience.

She explained that electrical generators have been replaced with electricity, which now covers the entire market, adding that shopping aisles have been developed and maintained, and 12 more bathrooms have been added. She noted that the existing restrooms have been maintained, and special bathrooms for people of determination have been prepared.

Shaikha Maram stressed that the development and modernisation will benefit all aspects of the market, which will create a new visual identity, commensurate with its importance as an event aimed at supporting national products, developing the agricultural sector and consolidating the kingdom’s food security.

NIAD Secretary-General pointed out that visitors to this year’s Bahraini Farmers’ Market will have a different experience, as the capacity of the parking lots has been increased to accommodate the largest possible number of visitors, transportation buses will be provided, and chairs and shaded seating areas have been increased.

The interactive and entertainment experience of various activities and spaces have also been developed, she said, noting that seven new areas have been added to market, namely the palm oasis, the games, the theatre, the children, the entrance area, the Kashtah, and the training workshops areas.

Regarding the farmers’ area, Shaikha Maram said that 33 farmers’ pavilions have been developed, four new sections for nurseries have been created, 15 new pavilions for small projects and productive families have been established.

The craftsmen’s area has also been developed and 17 new platforms for restaurants have been added, she said.

Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa praised stc Bahrain’s support for the Bahraini Farmers’ Market for four seasons.

She affirmed that the revamp of the Market reflects the interest of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in boosting the kingdom’s agricultural sector, which also enjoys the constant follow-up of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of HM the King and President of NIAD Advisory Council.

Shaikha Maram expressed confidence that the 11th edition will achieve outstanding success.

It will also confirm the importance of cooperation among the relevant authorities to support the kingdom’s food security, she added.