Manama, Nov. 29 (BNA): At an official ceremony held at the Budaiya Botanical Garden in front of officials and a sizable crowd, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, in collaboration with the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) and with assistance from stc Bahrain and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), opened the Farmers‘ Market for the 2025–2026 season.
Farmers’ Market 2025–2026 season opens
The market continues to be a national example for helping Bahraini farmers while providing visitors with an engaging community experience. Attendees took a tour of the market during its new season, which runs until February 14, 2026.
In addition to agricultural businesses, nurseries, apiaries, productive families, and craftsmen, this year’s market has 33 Bahraini farmers selling fresh products straight from nearby farms. Along with community awareness initiatives on food security and sustainable agriculture, the market offers kid-friendly educational and recreational activities.
By offering a vibrant social setting that enhances the market’s agricultural value and fosters a sense of community, restaurants and cafés enhance the visiting experience.
The new season, according to NIAD Secretary General Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, is a reflection of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s emphasis on agriculture and food security, which is reinforced by orders from His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. Through programs and policies that help farmers, she said, this support makes it possible to build agricultural projects and production processes.
Shaikha Maram also emphasized the ongoing assistance of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of NIAD’s Advisory Council and Consort of His Majesty the King, which has contributed to the market’s transformation into a cutting-edge national platform that showcases the caliber of regional production. She emphasized NIAD’s ongoing collaboration with the Ministry to boost private sector involvement in national agricultural projects and to increase the market’s position as a paradigm for sustainable agricultural development.
According to Asim Abdullatif Abdullah, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources, one of the main programs promoting regional agricultural output is the Farmers’ Market. He pointed out that the market is a reflection of the results of His Majesty the King’s encouragement of the growth of the agricultural industry and the establishment of favorable conditions for farmers. Additionally, he emphasized the government’s role—led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister—in developing agricultural infrastructure, boosting the competitiveness of regional goods, and putting in place initiatives that give farmers access to cutting-edge technologies and information.
He emphasized how crucial it is for HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim to support initiatives for agricultural development.
The Undersecretary went on to say that the market serves as a successful example of public-private partnership, strengthens consumer confidence in local produce, offers broader opportunities to showcase products through contemporary marketing techniques, and connects farmers directly with consumers. He also mentioned the market’s role in educating the public about the value of regional farming and environmentally friendly methods.
Large numbers of tourists from both inside and outside the Kingdom attended the opening week’s variety of events, which included traditional performances by the Dar Al Budaiya Al Janoubiya Band, educational workshops for kids with an agricultural theme, a farm animal zone, a youth market, and a dedicated workshop area.
