Page 21 - AA 2022 YEAR BOOK

Bahrain

AGRICULTURE IN BAHRAIN IS PROJECTED TO REGISTER A

CAGR OF 1.8% DURING THE FORECAST PERIOD (2021-2026).

Due to Covid-19, there has been a la- increasing greenhouse in the region, solution is getting attention in Bahrain.
bor shortage in the agriculture industry horticulture produce is booming even as Several farmers have started growing
due to movement restrictions and dif- the day temperatures are reaching over vegetables and fruits through this pro-
ficulties in importing and exporting ag- 50 degrees Celsius in the harsh summer cess. Commercial hydroponic farming
riculture products as the whole supply months. Bahrain has got lots of poten- facilities are well established in Bahrain
chain is affected, including producers, tial to expand greenhouse horticulture, with a highly promising future. These
broker, and transport companies. where water is used very efficiently, and farms successfully operate in Bahrain
this is likely to show a positive trend in even in the summer months when the
the growth of the agricultural industry of daytime temperatures are 40-50 degrees
the region in the coming years. Celcius. Bahrain is now taking definite
steps towards being self-sustaining
Rise of Agricultural with certain food items by adopting hy-
Hydroponic droponic practices. RTE salad mix or
even the snacking section like cherry
Harsh Climate and lack of water re- tomatoes, baby carrots, and the likes
sources is the main reason for the re- are hitting the hypermarket shelves. An
gion’s low agricultural output. However, increase in population and future pros-
hydroponic systems, a method of grow- pects in the food industry are reasons
Bahrain is characterized by high tem- ing plants in a water-based, nutrient-rich for the increase in consumption. Bahrain
peratures, limited arable land, water
scarcity, and increasing groundwater Production (tonnes) of some agricultural commodities in
salinity resulting in limited crops to be
grown in the country. The national gov- Bahrain (2019-2020)
ernment is focusing to intensify the fi- Item Value Flag Value Flag
nance for agriculture and livestock to at- Bananas 1015 Im 1021 Im
tract foreign investments for agriculture Cabbages and other brassicas 810 775 Im
projects in order to keep up with local
demand. Carrots and turnips 35 36 Im
Caulif owers and broccoli 1155 1060 Im
The rise in consumption, advanced Chick peas M M
technologies, and low water require-
ments for horticulture are the major Chillies and peppers, green 951 959 Im
drivers behind the growth of the market Cucumbers and gherkins 2773 2816 Im
studied. Bahrain has a negligible pro- Dates 13000 12447 Im
duction of cereals and other agriculture Eggplants (aubergines) 1418 1437 Im
products contributing to high food im-
ports to meet the local demand. Water Fruit, fresh nes 5379 Im 5357 Im
constraints and unavailability of agri- Grapes 152 Im 153 Im
culture land are the major constraints in Lemons and limes 1103 Im 1110 Im
crop production in Bahrain. Lettuce and chicory 880 863 Im
Melons, other (inc.cantaloupes) 925 973 Im
Low Water Requirements Nuts nes 350 Im 351 Im
for Horticulture is Driving Okra 56 92 Im
the Market Onions, dry 150 104 Im
Bahrain is using desalination for po- Potatoes 30 14 Im
table drinking water, which helped the Pulses nes 9 Im 9 Im
country to increase agriculture produc- Pumpkins, squash and gourds 3004 3180 Im
tion. Desalination is a process that leads Sweet potatoes M M
to the removal of mineral components
from saline water. Horticulture is the new Tomatoes 6800 6557 Im
trend in agriculture production which Vegetables, fresh nes 300 300 Im
has given a boost to production and has Watermelons 221 Im 223 Im
improved the condition of agriculture Im: FAO data based on imputation methodology
than it was in the past few years. With M: Data not available
Source: FAO Statistical Division 2021
Arab Agriculture 2022 19