(Manama) – HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of His Majesty the King, Chairperson of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) has lauded the royal support for the agricultural sector and programmes aimed at encouraging the private sector’s contributions to increase the local agricultural production consequently promoting the national economy.
HRH Princess Sabeeka Al Khalifa said that as she opened the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), which is held under the patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
HRH Princess Sabeeka recalled the efforts of the pervious leaders of Al Khalifa to develop agriculture sector, chiefly the Bahrain International Garden Show, which was launched in 1950s as a national event to support Bahrain’s interest in protecting the environment to meet food security requirements. She called for providing high quality agricultural products and avoiding agricultural practices that could affect people’s health.
She said the slogan of this year’s show sheds light on the sound agricultural practices and exhibits the latest technologies related to agricultural production processes and irrigation of crops to ensure their quality and safety.
HRH Princess Sabeeka honoured the winners of Bahrain Garden Club contest that includeds HM the King cup in the garden category, the late Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Cup in the flowers category, HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Cup in the professional and amateur photographers category, Shaikha Haya bint Mohammed Al Khalifa Cup in the exotic and rare plants category, in addition to the winner of best environmental garden.
HRH Princess Sabeeka toured the show that comprised products of more than 155 exhibitors of public institutions and civil society organisations, agricultural nurseries, as well as international companies specialized in agricultural area, including USA, France, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Greece, UK, Japan, India, China, Indonesia, Turkey and Mali, in addition to regional and Arab countries, KSA, UAE, Morocco, Jordan and Syria.
The Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority participates in the BIGS for the first time to introduce its services to raise the public awareness of food safety. While The Abu Dhabi Farmers Service Center participates to introduce its expertise in the field of agricultural pest control and the good post-harvest practices.
Fourteen Bahraini farmers have been selected randomly to participate in the BIGS to encourage local farmers, support their products and introduce them to new marketing outlets.
Specialized courses on the good food production will be staged by NIAD in collaboration with four Greek companies specialized in organic food production, such as natural olive oil, honey, herbs. The courses aim to introduce the latest production methods and to establish new Bahraini-Greek partnerships.
The BIGS is organized by NIAD and sponsored by Bahrain World Trade Center, Al Salam Bank, Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Viva Bahrain Telecommunications Company, Aluminum Bahrain (Alba), Bahrain National Gas Company (BNGAS), Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company.
The BIGS is specialized in gardening and agricultural fields. It provides various services, technologies and information that contribute to the development of the skills and knowledge of the persons concerned. It is expected to attract agricultural engineers, investors, developers and professionals from various sectors, in addition to agricultural enthusiasts and school and university students.
