A new fish farm will be set up in the Southern Governorate as part of efforts to ensure food security and self-sufficiency in Bahrain.
A key agreement was signed yesterday between Works, Municipalities Affairs and Urban Planning Ministry agriculture and marine resources Under-Secretary Dr Nabeel Abu Al Fateh and a representative from Kadi Group of companies.
Land was allocated to the company to launch a specialised fish farming project, to enhance collaboration between the agency and the private sector in the field of fish farming.
“This agreement comes within the national food security strategy and in line with the government’s efforts to encourage the private sector investment in fish farming,” said Dr Al Fateh.
“Fish farming is a crucial sector that the government is relying on to ensure food security as marine products are a key food item in Bahrain.
“The agreement is one of several that will be signed to allocate land for specialised private fish farming companies in support of Minister Essam Khalaf’s directive to encourage investment in fish farming.”
The GDN reported in March that six plots of land had been identified across Bahrain to be used to boost agricultural production and fish farming as part of efforts to ensure food security.
The move is expected to raise the local production of vegetables up to 20 per cent and also achieve 50pc to 62pc self-sufficiency in fish.
Dr Al Fateh highlighted that land will be allocated for the companies near the National Aquaculture Centre in Ras Hayyan.
“The agency will provide the private companies with fish fingerlings that are in high demand in the Bahraini market such as Hamour, Rabbit Fish (Safi), and Emperor Fish,” he added.
“No efforts will be spared to ensure this project succeeds and we will continue to monitor the operations of the company and provide technical support to ensure operations adhere to the standards approved by the agency.”
He added that fish farming was an important pillar in the strategy aimed at adopting modern agricultural techniques such as soil-free farming and fish farming while also using creative technologies for sustainable production.
He highlighted the importance of preparing a future generation by adequately training them in modern techniques for fish farming and nationalistic desire to ensure food security.
“All these efforts are critical to raise the levels of Bahrain’s self-sufficiency in the production of vegetables and fish and ensure the collaboration with the private sector is supported and encouraged,” he added.
“This will also raise levels of efficient use of natural resources and levels of production efficiency for fish and vegetables.”
reem@gdn.com.bh
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