Market Trends of Agriculture In Bahrain
Increasing Horticulture Production
- Bahrain has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its agricultural landscape, particularly in the domain of horticulture. This shift toward increased horticultural production is driven by a confluence of factors, including the need for food security and government initiatives aimed at diversifying the economy. Alternative production techniques such as hydroponic and aquaponic farming have a lot of plus factors, especially when practiced in an arid environment, such as Bahrain. For instance, established in 2021, the Bahraini Farmers’ Programme equips farmers with new technologies and techniques to safeguard crops, enhance agricultural output, and secure food resources.
- Similarly, the government has provided subsidies and partnerships with technology companies to increase green cover and production as it highly depends on imports. In 2024, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture unveiled the "Mobile Nursery" initiative, aiming to boost afforestation efforts and expand green spaces. This initiative seeks to enhance environmental awareness and actively invites citizens and residents to engage in afforestation activities. Collaborating with Municipal Councils, the Ministry distributed 4,455 seedlings via its mobile nursery. This supports the establishment of fruit orchards, thereby aiding horticulture production.
- Moreover, these factors increase the production of the major horticultural crops grown in the country, such as dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas, water turnips, potatoes, and tomatoes for the local market. For instance, as per FAO, the production of fruits grew from 22,557 metric tons in 2021 to 22,665 metric tons in 2022. Therefore, the increasing focus on food security and government initiatives are the factors driving the horticultural production in the country during the forecast period.
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Rising Technological Advancements
- The hot climate and lack of water resources are the main factors for the region's low agricultural output growth. In response, Bahrain has increasingly adopted advanced technologies designed to maximize productivity. One of the most significant technological advancements in Bahraini agriculture is hydroponics. Commercial hydroponic farming facilities are increasing in Bahrain with a promising future. Bahrain is taking steps toward self-sustaining certain food items by adopting hydroponic practices. In 2024, Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Highness of the Kingdom, opened the first phase of the hydroponics production project and launched the brand of the Bahrain Agricultural Development Company.
- Additionally, greenhouse production systems are yielding promising results, leading to heightened production levels. Consequently, strategies that advocate for greenhouse production are bolstering the market's growth. For example, in 2022, Bahrain inaugurated a state-of-the-art greenhouse facility to meet the nation's demand for fresh vegetables. This facility seamlessly integrates aquaponics and hydroponics, employing cutting-edge computer controls and fertilizer systems to ensure automated, precise, and efficient production.
- Furthermore, the rising adoption of agricultural technologies in the country is boosting the production of its major crops. Consequently, this surge in production is bolstering the country's exports, fueling the market's growth. According to the ITC Trade Map, vegetable exports jumped from USD 3,402 thousand in 2022 to USD 11,331 thousand in 2023. Thus, the heightened emphasis on agricultural technologies, including greenhouses and hydroponics, is amplifying domestic production and bolstering the nation's exports during the forecast period.
