Focus on plant genetic resources conservation, says minister

TDT | Manama

Bahrain is progressing fast with its efforts to conserve and protect the genetic diversity of crop plants from genetic erosion, while having a special focus on doubling production value in the coming years, said works minister. Essam Khalaf, during his visit to Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs, Budaiya, said the ministry is ramping up the efforts in this direction and to enhance the capabilities of its laboratory.

Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources Dr Nabil Mohamed Abul-Fateh and several agency officials were present during the tour. Efforts are progressing to preserve varieties of fruit tree and date palms in the Kingdom to help maximise the contribution of the agricultural sector and achieve food security.

The move, the minister said, is as directed by the His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Royal Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. He said the government is introducing modern techniques in Plant propagation as well as preserving fruit trees and date palm with high economic value.

Plant propagation is the process of increasing the number of plants of a particular species or cultivar. Efforts are also progressing to develop high-end agricultural laboratories, establish genetic banks, introduce modern agricultural methods, and develop national capabilities through training programmes.

The aim is to support farmers and importers with better services and promote investment in the sector while preserving natural resources. “There needs a right balance between the agricultural and urban sectors, in a way that guarantees local food security.”

For his part, the Undersecretary of Agriculture and Marine Resources Dr Nabil Mohamed Abul-Fateh spoke about the Agency’s contributions in supporting national initiatives in the public and private sectors, by supporting afforestation and care programmes.