By Report by: Ashen Tharaka. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com The inaugural Almond Festival commenced yesterday in Bahrain, shining a spotlight on the agricultural and cultural significance of this beloved tree and nut. The event also aims to sow the seeds for a burgeoning industr
TDT | Manama
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
The inaugural Almond Festival commenced yesterday in Bahrain, shining a spotlight on the agricultural and cultural significance of this beloved tree and nut.
The event also aims to sow the seeds for a burgeoning industry on the island. The Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, in collaboration with supporting agencies led by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) and the Bahrain Agricultural Co-operative Society, organised this festival.
Building upon the success of the farmers’ market in previous years, the festival also provides an additional platform for promoting local agricultural products.
Dr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan, the Undersecretary for Agriculture and Marine Resources Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, graced the opening day of the festival as the guest of honour.
Encouraged by the overwhelming success of the first day, Mohamed Alaraibi, Assistant Undersecretary for Agricultural Affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, said, "We are planning to continue this festival next year." "As part of our programme, we distributed a thousand Almond trees free of charge to the public to encourage plantation efforts across the kingdom," he added.
One visitor, Saara, shared her excitement, stating, "I have been living in Bahrain for the past 45 years, and this is the first time I have had the opportunity to purchase fresh Almonds and Bahraini products at an affordable price," in an interview with the Daily Tribune. An Irish couple also expressed their delight, commenting, "We were thrilled to see these new Almond varieties and sample the diverse range of homemade Bahraini products. It has truly transformed our culinary experience."
This festival edition featured the participation of 32 farmers, four agricultural companies, five nurseries, four apiaries, four date-related activities, and 20 productive families, all coordinated with the Ministry of Social Development. The second part of the festival is scheduled for July 15th from 4 pm until 9 pm.
