Agriculture In Bahrain - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

Agriculture In Bahrain - Growth, Trends, Covid-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2023 - 2028)

Agriculture in Bahrain is projected to register a CAGR of 1.9% during the forecast period (2022-2027).

Due to COVID-19, there has been a labor shortage in the agriculture industry due to movement restrictions and difficulties in importing and exporting agriculture products as the whole supply chain is affected, including producers, brokers, and transport companies. Further, a major training program for farmers was halted owing to the outbreak of COVID-19. However, the training resumed following government approval in 2021.

Bahrain is characterized by high temperatures, limited arable land, water scarcity, and increasing groundwater salinity resulting in limited crops to be grown in the country. The national government is focusing on intensifying the finance for agriculture and livestock to attract foreign investments for agriculture projects in order to keep up with local demand.

The rise in consumption, advanced technologies, and low water requirements for horticulture are the major drivers behind the growth of the market studied. Bahrain has a negligible production of cereals and other agricultural products, contributing to high food imports to meet the local demand. Water constraints and unavailability of agricultural land are the major constraints in crop production in Bahrain.

Key Market TrendsGovernment Initiative to Boost Domestic Production

Horticulture is the new trend in agriculture production, which has given a boost to production and has improved the condition of agriculture than it was in the past few years. Alternative production techniques such as hydroponic and aquaponic farming have a lot of plus factors, especially when practiced in an arid environment, such as Bahrain. The major crops grown are dates, figs, mangos, pomegranates, melons, papayas, water turnips, potatoes, and tomatoes, and produce poultry and dairy products for the local market.

Bahrain is ramping up efforts to improve food security in the country. The Bahrain government planned a new production strategy for food security in order to increase local production. The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) is working on a number of projects that contribute to the support of agricultural workers, increase green spaces, stimulate and support agricultural manufacturing industries, and increase expertise in agriculture through education and training. In the project, the authority is working with public and private sector companies to provide the required funding for the Agriculture and Marine Resources Project to establish a plant specialized in the production and packing of Bahraini dates in Hoorat A’ali.

In 2020, the Bahraini and UAE governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for sharing expertise, studies, and research regarding food security.

Dependency on Import of Fruits and Vegetables

The harsh climate and lack of water resources are the main reasons for the region's low agricultural output. Bahrain is a net importer of various foodgrains, but with modern technology, Bahrain is actively trying to tackle the issue of food security. In terms of their dependence, Bahrain imports 90% of its food supplies. RTE salad mix or even the snacking section like cherry tomatoes, baby carrots, and the likes are hitting the hypermarket shelves. An increase in population and future prospects in the food industry are reasons for the increase in consumption.

In 2021, India exported the first consignment of five unique apples from Himachal Pradesh to Bahrain. The five varieties are Royal Delicious, Dark Baron Gala, Scarlet Spur, Red Velox, and Golden Delicious. Agriculture and Processed Food Products Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with Himachal Pradesh Horticultural Produce Marketing and Processing Corporation (HPMC), exported these apples to the middle east nation.

However, lately, commercial hydroponic farming facilities are well established in Bahrain with a highly promising future. Bahrain is now taking definite steps towards being self-sustaining with certain food items by adopting hydroponic practices.

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• The market estimate (ME) sheet in Excel format
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