Increased demand and a high footfall last season led to an increase in the number of Bahrainis applying to take part, said Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry senior horticulturist Amani Abu Idris.

The farmer s market will resume on November 23 at the Agriculture Centre in Budaiya and continue every Saturday between 8am to noon until next summer.

“Last year, we started with 20 farmers and increased to 26 after demand increased,” said Ms Abu Idris.

Applied

“This year we’ll be starting with 30 farmers immediately, and won’t increase because that will be our maximum capacity.

“Thirty-eight farmers have applied, and over the last month we have been examining them, to see the products they wish to sell and whether they adhere to the rules and restrictions.

“They will be decided based on whether they’re Bahraini, whether their job is predominantly a farmer, and whether they can produce quantities large enough.

“After that, the chosen farmers will be called to a meeting to hear the rules and regulations.”

Due to surprising demand for food stalls last year, the ministry has increased the number this year.

“Last year, we had just one restaurant that had several sections,” she said.

“This year, we’ll be choosing three restaurants to make up the food court.

“They still have to serve traditional Bahraini food and they will probably serve mostly breakfast foods.

“These three will be in addition to the 30 farmers, bringing the total participants to 33.”

The farm animals that delighted children last year will also once again make an appearance.

Ms Abu Idris said the ministry wanted to increase public support for Bahraini products.

“The aim is to find a market for the local produce,” she said.

“Because of the competition created by imported fruits and vegetables, people don’t buy local produce because they think the price is higher.

“When it’s higher, it’s generally not by much.

“Sometimes it’s as little as 70 fils.

“Regardless, even when it’s a little more, the product is fresher and of better quality.

“Whereas the other is imported, so you miss out on the freshness.

“We want to make Bahraini products distinctive and give them priority.”

Last year, the market reached a peak of 17,000 visitors on a single Saturday, which Ms Abu Idris hoped would continue to increase.

She also said that some farmers who took part in the market had signed on with local organisations, including the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa and Kempinski Grand and Ixir Hotel, Bahrain City Centre

Source: GDN

Tags: bahrain farmer, bahrain farmers, farmer in bahrain, farmer market bahrain, farmers in bahrain

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