Bahrain’s farm output jumps 55% over decade; vegetable production nearly doubles

TDT | Manama

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Agricultural production in Bahrain climbed to 58,597.5 tonnes in 2024, marking a rise of 55 per cent over the past decade.

The figure stood at 37,806.5 tonnes in 2015, according to newly published data.

Vegetables made up the largest share, with output almost doubling to 28,600 tonnes.

Farmers appear to have focused on crops that meet everyday local needs, particularly those that require short supply chains.

Greenhouse farming came next.

Growing conditions

Produce grown under cover rose from 9,405 tonnes in 2015 to 15,900 tonnes last year, suggesting a marked shift towards controlled growing conditions in response to soil and climate limits. Date production remained relatively steady.

The harvest stood at 13,200 tonnes in 2015 and moved within a narrow band over the following years, reaching 14,000 tonnes in 2024.

Change

Fruits, once an afterthought in the figures, showed the fastest change in pace.

From barely 1.5 tonnes in 2015 and 2016, output rose to 2.8 tonnes in 2021.

It then surged to 62 tonnes in 2022, 78 tonnes in 2023, and nearly hit triple digits with 97.5 tonnes last year.

The rise across all categories comes amid a mix of public backing, expansion in yearround farm projects and efforts aimed at building up food self-reliance while cutting back on foreign imports.