Bahrain: BD500,000 fund to aid farmers
Posted by Zawya
Bahrain Tribune
24 July 2010


The Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture has allocated an annual budget of half a million dinars to help distressed farmers in the Kingdom.

This was revealed by assistant undersecretary for agricultural affairs at the Ministry of Municipalities, Dr. Salman Abdul Nabi Al Khuzaii.

The ministry will support farmers with new machines and pesticides to improve the quality and quantity of crops. "We want all farmers to adopt the latest approach and hi-tech technologies widely prevalent in other parts of the world. We are sure this will increase their agricultural produce and in turn make their lives better," Al Khuzaii said. The farmer-support-fund is part of the national strategy to ensure food security.

The ministry is also conducting training sessions for farmers on preparing and tilling the soil, in addition to imparting lessons on protecting plants from animal and pest attack.

Dr Al Khuzaii pointed out that the ministry has been taking a keen interest on the Red Palm Weevil project by providing all services to farmers in controlling this pest. The government is planning to take steps to guard plants from red palm weevil.

"Earlier, at least 50,000 palms in the Kingdom were affected by the weevil attack, but now thanks to our efforts, the affected plants have come down to 20,000," he said.

By Staff Reporter

© Bahrain Tribune 2010

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