The Agricultural Abundance Of Bahrain: What Crops Thrive?

Bahrain's agriculture sector has historically been an important part of its economy, but it has faced challenges due to limited arable land, water scarcity, and high soil salinity. Despite these obstacles, Bahrain has a variety of crops that can be cultivated. The country's major crop is alfalfa, used for animal fodder, but farmers also grow dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas, water turnips, potatoes, and tomatoes. Additionally, Bahrain has adopted modern agricultural technologies, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, and vertical farming, to improve water and space efficiency.

Date cultivation

Date palm cultivation was once the dominant form of agriculture in Bahrain, producing enough dates for both domestic consumption and export. The date palm, or Phoenix dactylifera L., has been an integral part of the heritage of the Kingdom of Bahrain, playing a fundamental role in its economy and social life. However, the discovery of oil led to revolutionary changes that significantly impacted date palm cultivation. The development of the oil industry, along with various other factors, caused a gradual decline in date cultivation from the 1950s through the 1970s. These factors included changing food consumption habits and the increasing salinity of the aquifers used for irrigation.

Despite the challenges, date palm cultivation in Bahrain has a long history and continues to be important to the country. Date palms are well-adapted to the subtropical arid and hot climate of Bahrain and can grow in various types of soil. However, they thrive in nonsaline soils that are rich in mineral nutrients and have appropriate drainage. The northern and western parts of the country, known for their nonsaline sandy soils and high water tables, are particularly suitable for date palm cultivation.

Traditionally, date palm growers in Bahrain plant the palms close to each other, sometimes in uneven rows, making it difficult to use agricultural machinery. However, intercropping with cash crops like forages, vegetables, and/or other fruit trees between the date palm rows is a common practice. This involves dividing the agricultural land into beds, with date palm offshoots planted in the middle or towards the edges, and utilising the inner spaces for other crops.

Proper date palm cultivation requires several practices to attain effective growth rates and fruit quality. These include dethorning, or the removal of thorns from the base and sides of new leaves, to facilitate pollination and fruit harvesting. Artificial pollination, or transferring male pollen to female flowers, is also commonly practised to achieve adequate fertilisation. Growers in Bahrain typically collect male inflorescences and shake them over the female inflorescences to release the pollen.

Other important practices include bending the fruit branches downwards to secure them and prevent breakage, as well as thinning and pruning to reduce the weight of the fruit bunch and give the fruits more space to grow. Pest and disease control is also crucial, as date palms in Bahrain are susceptible to both indigenous and invasive pest species that can cause severe damage if left uncontrolled.

The Bahraini government has recognised the importance of date palm cultivation and is taking steps to promote and support this industry. They have established gene banks, in vitro facilities, and implemented quarantine regulations to protect date palms, which are considered a state symbol and national treasure. Additionally, initiatives like the "Date palm for every home" campaign aim to educate citizens about date palm cultivation and conservation.

Date palms have a long growth period, with offshoots usually bearing fruit 3 years after planting and reaching maximum production at 10 years of age. Harvesting in Bahrain typically occurs during the khalal and rutab stages, with dates being hand-picked as they ripen. The average annual production per tree varies from 40 to 80 kg, depending on the cultivar, with some trees producing up to 150 kg.

The nutritional value of dates is well-known, with a high content of sugars and fibre, along with proteins and lipids. Additionally, dates have been found to have antioxidant properties, with the highest levels present in the khalal stage of ripening.

Vegetable gardens

Bahrain's climate is not ideal for home gardening, but with the right techniques, it is possible to grow vegetables at home. Here are some tips for creating a vegetable garden in Bahrain.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The first step is to choose the right vegetables for Bahrain's environment. Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and herbs like basil and mint are all suitable options. It is important to select the correct vegetables to prevent loss and ensure successful growth.

Container Gardening

Due to limited space and soil, container gardening is an excellent option for growing vegetables in Bahrain. Containers are portable and can be easily moved, providing protection from the heat. They also prevent plant roots from damage and keep them contained in a controlled environment.

Soil, Fertilizer, and Watering

Using standard soil and fertilizer is essential for the growth of vegetables. Investing in high-quality soil and fertilization will help prevent diseases and promote healthy growth. Bahrain's climate is dry, so it is important to water your plants regularly, but be careful not to overwater as this can damage the plants and their roots. Check the moisture of the soil by picking up a small amount and feeling if it is dry; if it is, it's time to water.

Providing Shade

While vegetables need sunlight to grow, they can be affected by the intense heat of Bahrain. Use different shady spots or create shade with containers or other objects to protect your plants from the heat.

Fertilization and Pest Control

Nutrients can be quickly depleted in container gardening, so regular fertilization is necessary to keep vegetables healthy and fresh. Proper fertilization also helps prevent diseases. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, especially whiteflies, which can be an issue in Bahrain. Consult gardening experts for guidance on dealing with regional pests and diseases.

Observation and Patience

Growing a vegetable garden in Bahrain requires observation and patience. It takes time for plants to adapt to the local environment, and different techniques may be needed to help them thrive.

Poultry production

The company's commitment to animal welfare, sustainability, and biosecurity protocols has solidified its position as a trusted brand in Bahrain. GPC's modernisation efforts, capacity expansion, and vertical integration projects have geared it for future growth and contributed to the country's food security initiatives.

Bahrain's poultry industry faces challenges due to limited land and water resources. However, the adoption of alternative crop production methods, such as horticulture, provides hope for a more sustainable future. This approach maximises growth while conserving resources, and it has contributed to boosting food production in the country.

The Bahraini government has implemented programs to support domestic crop production, including the free distribution of seeds, technical assistance with irrigation technologies, and low-interest credit. These initiatives have resulted in significant increases in egg, milk, and vegetable production. Despite these efforts, Bahrain's limited cultivable land constrains its potential productive capacity, making agricultural imports a permanent aspect of the country's international trade.

Dairy farms

One example of a dairy farm in Bahrain is Peninsula Farms, which produces and delivers dairy products and vegetables across the country. They specialise in hydroponic produce and fresh goat milk products. Their dairy products are natural, with no added hormones or chemicals, and are pasteurised to ensure freshness and kill harmful microorganisms.

The Bahraini government has also implemented initiatives to support the agricultural sector, such as the National Initiative for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (NIAD), which aims to bolster agriculture by consolidating national efforts and promoting economic, social, and environmental development. Additionally, the Bahrain Development Bank has provided agricultural loans at 0% interest to enhance agricultural production.

Through the adoption of modern technologies and government support, Bahrain's dairy farming industry is expected to grow and contribute to the country's food security and economic development.

Horticulture

The country's horticulture industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, driven by the need for food security and government initiatives to diversify the economy. This shift towards increased horticultural production has resulted in the adoption of alternative production techniques such as hydroponic and aquaponic farming, which are particularly suitable for the arid environment of Bahrain.

The Bahraini government has implemented several initiatives to promote agricultural innovation and enhance food security. For example, the National Initiative for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (NIAD), in collaboration with various institutions, launched Bahrain's comprehensive agricultural platform to bolster the agricultural sector and promote the Kingdom's economic and social development.

The major horticultural crops grown in Bahrain include dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas, water turnips, potatoes, and tomatoes. These crops are cultivated for the local market, and the production of fruits has shown a slight increase from 2021 to 2022.

Despite the challenges, Bahrain's horticulture industry is expected to grow, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.50% from 2019 to 2024, according to a Mordor Intelligence report. This growth is attributed to the implementation of alternative crop production methods, such as indoor cultivation practices and government support, which have reduced imports and increased local production.

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