Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister, today opened the 11th edition of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market at the Budaiya Botanical Garden, bringing together Bahraini farmers, brands, and craftsmen.
Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al Asfoor, Minister of Social Development, attended the opening of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market.
“Champions of local products,” the theme of this year’s edition, reflects the pride in Bahraini farmers’ dedication to providing sustainable, diverse, and high-quality local products.
Huge crowds of shoppers from Bahrain and abroad visited the Bahraini Farmers’ Market, which showcases Bahraini agricultural and food products.
The Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture expressed delight at the launch of the 11th edition of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market, highlighting the Kingdom’s keen interest in supporting the agricultural sector.
The minister pledged to collaborate with authorities to implement initiatives aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector’s role in Bahrain’s food security strategy.
He praised the unlimited support accorded to the Bahraini Farmers’ Market by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), hailing the unwavering follow-up of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women and NIAD Consultative Council President.
Al Mubarak expressed gratitude for stc Bahrain for its support in enhancing the farmers’ market infrastructure and its maintenance for four consecutive seasons.
The farmers’ market in the Kingdom is experiencing significant development, thanks to the support of authorities and the private sector institutions, he added, highlighting the importance of community partnership in promoting economic growth.
Minister Al Mubarak said that the Bahraini Farmers’ Market attracts visitors from other countries, serves as a marketing platform for Bahraini products and food manufacturing industries, noting that it is also an entertainment and tourist season for citizens and residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, NIAD Secretary-General, said that the Bahraini Farmers’ Market attracts thousands of visitors from Bahrain and abroad at the iconic Budaiya Botanical Garden.
The Budaiya Botanical Garden, a historical garden in Bahrain which reopened during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s era under the patronage of HRH Princess Sabeeka, is a popular destination, she added.
Shaikha Maram emphasised the NIAD’s commitment to supporting the farmers’ market, out of its keenness to advance the agricultural sector and provide a platform for marketing Bahraini farmers’ products.
The market has helped Bahraini farmers to diversify their products and introduce new local varieties, resulting in a wide customer base and a more diverse market, she added.
Ali bin Al Shaikh Abdulhussein Al Asfoor, Northern Governor, praised the ministry’s efforts to organise the 11th edition of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market and promoting economic, tourist, and recreational activities, highlighting its role in boosting the agricultural sector.
The farmers’ market promotes organic, fresh, and quality products, supporting the World Health Organisation’s Northern Accreditation Programme and promoting healthy governance, he said.
Dr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan, Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources, said that the farmers’ market is a significant platform for farmers and specialists to market their products, with the ministry aiming to attract thousands of visitors annually.
This year, it was developed in collaboration with various supporting bodies, ensuring its continued growth and success, he added.
The market organising committee has prepared numerous programmes and events for the annual event to encourage farmers and entertain visitors from Bahrain and abroad.
Mohammed Mirza Al Oraibi, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural Affairs and Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Bahraini Farmers’ Market, confirmed that 33 Bahraini farmers participated, including 4 agricultural companies, 4 nurseries, 15 small projects, 2 shops, and 2 apiaries.
This year’s restaurant corner features 16 Bahraini restaurants and cafés, offering diverse tastes and flavours. The corner also features picnic areas in the botanical garden, ensuring a wonderful visitor experience with unique cafes and a variety of popular Bahraini cuisine options, he added.
