Independent body to oversee food security and strategic stockpile

TDT | Manama

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Parliament will discuss on Tuesday a proposal to establish an independent government body—or supreme council—to oversee food security and manage Bahrain’s strategic stockpile.

The motion, submitted by MPs Hamad Al Doy, Bader Al Tamimi, Hassan Ebra - him, Mohammed Al Rifaai and Moh a m m e d Mousa, originally called for a government food security authority. It was later amended following discussions between the Services and Environment Committee and the sponsoring MPs.

MP Hamad Al Doy said the body would develop plans and strategies shaping food and health policy while monitoring the stockpile. He described it as “an urgent necessity” to prepare for emergencies caused by wars, transport disruptions, or natural disasters.

The committee said the proposal serves the public interest by providing a clear framework to implement the food security strategy, ensure readiness for supply disruptions, and prevent shortages that could harm public health.

The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, however, said current efforts already meet the proposal’s goals through the government’s approved food security initiatives, including the National Strategy to Achieve Food Security, coordinated with other relevant authorities.