New Crop Research Promotes Sustainable Farming

Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening Bahrain's agricultural sector, describing the Agricultural Incubation Centre in Hoorat A'ali as a flagship development project that promotes innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable farming.

The minister made the remarks during a field visit to the centre alongside Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Sector Development, and Agriculture and Animal Wealth Affairs Undersecretary Eng. Asim Abdul Latif.

The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to develop Bahrain's agricultural sector and enhance its contribution to food security and agricultural sustainability.

Al Mubarak said the centre reflects the ministry's continued investment in human capital by transferring modern agricultural technologies, encouraging innovation and supporting agricultural entrepreneurship. He noted that the centre's training programmes, practical applications and research activities help build national expertise while promoting the long-term sustainability of the agricultural sector.

He added that the ministry's partnership with the National Initiative for Agricultural Sector Development is a key pillar in implementing specialised programmes that prepare qualified national talent and empower agricultural entrepreneurs. These efforts, he said, contribute to improving agricultural efficiency, increasing local production and strengthening Bahrain's food security.

Shaikha Maram said the partnership between the initiative and the ministry represents a successful model of institutional cooperation aimed at developing the agricultural sector and expanding its capabilities.

She stressed that the National Initiative places strong emphasis on programmes that build national capacity while encouraging young people and entrepreneurs to enter the agricultural sector through scientifically and economically sustainable approaches.

She highlighted the Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme as one of the initiative's flagship projects, saying it prepares qualified Bahrainis to establish productive and sustainable agricultural businesses that support the Kingdom's food security goals and the long-term growth of the sector.

During the visit, officials reviewed the centre's future plans to expand its training and qualification programmes, strengthen strategic partnerships with national institutions and activate memoranda of understanding signed between the ministry and various stakeholders. Discussions also covered coordination on specialised initiatives, including the Agricultural Entrepreneurs Programme implemented by the centre.

The delegation also reviewed ongoing agricultural trials designed to test the cultivation of new crop varieties in Bahrain. The research evaluates the suitability of crops for local environmental conditions, studies the most effective cultivation and propagation methods, and promotes efficient use of natural resources, particularly water and agricultural land.