BDB Highlights the Impact of Its Farmers Market Initiative in Boosting Local Agriculture and Food Security
Bahrain Development Bank (BDB), the Kingdom's leading bank dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), has released its latest insights on the impact of its Farmers Market initiative in Hoorat A'ali — a key platform driving local agriculture, empowering Bahraini farmers and families, and enhancing food security. This key initiative plays an essential role in providing direct, year-round access to a diverse selection of fresh, locally produced goods, offering farmers a valuable platform to grow their businesses and increase sales. The Farmers Market initiative reflects BDB's active role in supporting national efforts to boost food security, while also advancing several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — including: No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Decent Work and Economic Growth, and Partnerships for the Goals. The Farmers Market is considered one of the Kingdom's most successful local initiatives, attracting over 200,000 visitors annually. It features more than 50 kiosks, cafes, and restaurants serving freshly prepared local dishes. The market also supports 21 local farmers, 18 Bahraini productive families, and three commercial ventures, all of which contribute to increased domestic production and stimulate the national economy.
Given that Bahrain currently imports around 95% of its food requirements, the Farmers Market plays a crucial role in reducing this dependency by nurturing the local agricultural sector. It also encourages the growth of SMEs, in line with the Kingdom's broader economic vision to achieve sustainable development in agriculture.
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