Go-ahead for Bahrain's integrated agricultural and fish farming project

A major integrated agricultural and fish farming project aimed at bolstering Bahrain’s food security was yesterday unveiled.

His Majesty King Hamad gave the green light as he received Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Minister Essam Khalaf at Safriya palace.

The King gave directives to implement the project and earmark land for it as it constitutes a vital part of the national food security strategy.

The King also gave instructions to set up a government-owned company for each type of project, covering agriculture and fish farming.

He directed to earmark part of Ras Hayyan to set up investment projects in fish farming.

In a keynote speech at the opening of the second session of the fifth legislative term, the King gave directives to draw up a national food strategy and earmark locations for agricultural and fish farming projects.

The strategy aims to develop national food industrial capabilities, increase local production and preserve agricultural professions.

The King thanked the minister and employees for their efforts to serve citizens, stressing the importance of farmers benefiting from the projects.

He commended citizens working in the sectors of agriculture and fishing, stressing his keenness on communicating with them.

He paid tribute to their fathers and forefathers who worked with great dedication to serve their country, expressing confidence in the officials tasked to implement the projects to achieve goals and benefit citizens and low-income people.

“The soilless farming projects would meet 20 per cent of the Bahrain’s needs for vegetables,” Mr Khalaf said, adding that pisciculture project would cover 62pc of Bahrain’s needs.

He said he had updated the King about the ministry’s plans to expand the use of soilless cultivation (hydroponics) and fish farming as part of the national food security strategy.

“The project aims to support Bahraini youth to work in the field of agricultural and fish production sectors and adopt innovative technologies for sustainable production,” he said, adding that the focus is on building a promising and trained generation which optimises the use of modern techniques in agricultural and fish production.

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