Latest news with #NationalInitiativeforAgriculturalDevelopment
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Science
- Daily Tribune
HM King Honours Agriculture
TDT | Manama Top contributors to agricultural innovation were recognised during the fifth edition of the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development, organised by the National Initiative for Agricultural Development. Held in the presence of royal family members, senior officials, and agricultural experts from Bahrain and abroad, the event celebrated achievements across production, sustainability, research, and support services. Among the attendees was H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, who highlighted the award's growing role in fostering innovation and environmental sustainability. Firms and farmers awarded H.E. Eng. Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, presented the awards. Al-Ameen Gardens Company received the 'Best Agricultural Production Project' honour for its advanced crop production methods supporting food security. Ghosn Al Bahrain Contracting Company won the 'Best Supporting Project for Agricultural Production' award for its water-saving smart irrigation systems. Two individuals, Mirza Hassan and Ali Ashour, were jointly named 'Best Bahraini Farmer', recognised for adopting modern techniques and maintaining high productivity. In the research category, Dr. Majid Al-Sayed Mohammed and Dr. Mohammed Naeem Sattar of King Faisal University in Saudi Arabia were honoured for their work on sustainable technologies and innovative environmental solutions. Tribute and legacy Veteran farmer Abdullnabi Taher was specially recognised for his consistent participation since the award's launch and the steady growth of his farm, earning him praise as a model of perseverance. Members of the award's judging committee were also acknowledged for their role in ensuring rigorous evaluation and encouraging continuous improvement in the sector. Following the ceremony, a scientific forum was held where winning researchers presented their studies to an audience of experts, academics, and practitioners. The session promoted knowledge-sharing and collaboration to strengthen sustainability in agriculture. The event concluded with a call to further advance the Kingdom's agricultural capacity through innovation and longterm vision.
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Farming Tech Now Required
TDT | Manama The sixth edition of the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development will introduce a major shift in eligibility criteria, with the use of agricultural technology now made mandatory for all participants. H.E. Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, announced the changes as part of broader efforts to modernise the Kingdom's agricultural sector and ensure that the award remains aligned with global best practices. Updated criteria In previous editions, technology use gave participants an edge through bonus points. Starting this cycle, however, integration of agri-tech solutions is no longer optional. Agricultural technology adoption has been shown to increase productivity by over 20% in small-scale farms across the GCC, according to UN FAO research. These updates aim to make the award more rigorous and forward-focused. The move reflects a growing consensus that sustainability and productivity must be driven by innovation and smart farming tools. H.E. Shaikha Maram confirmed that evaluation criteria are being revised, and new judging panels are being set up to enhance standards and review past cycles. Support and inclusion H.E. Shaikha Maram reaffirmed the initiative's commitment to supporting all individuals and organisations working toward agricultural advancement. While transformation takes time, she encouraged widespread participation, noting that the award welcomes contributions from across the spectrum of the agricultural ecosystem. SMEs recognised H.E. Shaikha Maram also highlighted the increasing role of small and medium-sized agricultural companies in the Kingdom. These businesses, which now receive recognition under separate categories for production and agricultural services, are becoming vital to ensuring the sector's long-term sustainability. The changes are expected to raise the bar for excellence and broaden the award's impact on the Kingdom's food security and innovation landscape.
Daily Tribune
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture Wins First Place at the Bahrain International Garden Exhibition 2025
Minister Al-Mubarak highlighted the significance of the Bahrain International Garden Exhibition in supporting efforts to enhance food security and develop the green cover in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He emphasized the ministry's commitment to this sector to achieve the desired goals and aspirations. Additionally, the ministry honored Her Excellency Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, who presented the award to Engineer Abbas Abdullah Hussein Arafa, Director of the Plant Cover Department at the Ministry of Municipalities and Agriculture.
Biz Bahrain
20-02-2025
- Business
- Biz Bahrain
Bahrain International Garden Show starts
Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Consort of His Majesty the King and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), inaugurated the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) at the Exhibition World Bahrain. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim valued His Majesty the King's patronage, which has contributed to the growth of the exhibition and boosted its status as a key platform for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Her Royal Highness highlighted Bahrain's commitment to food security, environmental sustainability, and the protection and development of the agricultural sector to maintain a balance between urban expansion and green spaces, which is essential for public health and well-being. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim expressed pride in the wide participation from various entities, noting that the exhibition is one of the region's leading specialised agricultural events. Her Royal Highness added that BIGS plays a role in positioning Bahrain on the global agricultural exhibition map. Her Royal Highness commended the efforts of public and private institutions in showcasing the latest agricultural innovations and technologies, which contribute to long-term sustainability, the expansion of green spaces, and support for Bahraini farmers in adapting to industry advancements. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim visited various pavilions and noted the significant progress in the exhibits and technologies on display. Her Royal Highness commended the advancements in sustainable agriculture in Bahrain and the region. HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim also expressed appreciation to participating and supporting entities for their role in the success of the event and in raising environmental and agricultural awareness. The exhibition featured the announcement of the Bahrain Garden Club competition winners. Bethan Robinson won His Majesty the King's Cup for Best Residential Garden. Dalal Sami Radhi received the late His Highness Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa's Cup in the flowers category, while Tahera Jabri won in the vegetables category. Ranjith C. P. received Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa's Cup in the professional photography category, and Fawaz Al Hamdan won in the amateur photography category. Student Al Jouri Rashid Jamal won in the student photography category. The Environment Friendly Garden Cup, awarded by His Highness Shaikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Khalifa, was shared by The Merchant House Hotel and the Fontana Infinity residential project. Nadia Al Zeera won Her Highness Shaikha Haya bint Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa's Cup for Rare and Exotic Plants, while Umm Kulthoom Intermediate Girls School won the Riffa Views Cup for Best School Garden Artwork. Her Royal Highness commended the Bahrain Garden Club's role in promoting agricultural development. She noted that the club's 60th anniversary reflects its long-standing contributions to agricultural awareness and sustainability in Bahrain. She highlighted the club's efforts over the decades in expanding green spaces and enhancing the quality of gardens in the Kingdom. She also praised its commitment to organising competitions and initiatives that encourage innovation in agriculture. At the conclusion of the event, writer Ibrahim Bashmi presented Her Royal Highness with a copy of his book on the cultural and historical significance of palm trees in Bahrain's heritage. Her Royal Highness praised the book's focus on the palm tree as a symbol of sustainability and an integral part of Bahrain's rich heritage. The Bahrain International Garden Show is an annual platform that brings together experts and specialists from the agricultural sector, along with public and private institutions. The event showcases the latest innovations and technologies in sustainable agriculture. It also promotes collaboration among industry stakeholders, facilitates knowledge exchange, and raises environmental awareness through interactive workshops and educational activities aligned with Bahrain's national sustainability efforts. BNA(R)
Daily Tribune
19-02-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
HRH Princess Sabeeka Inaugurates Bahrain International Garden Show
Under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King and Chairperson of the Advisory Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development, inaugurated the Bahrain International Garden Show at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre. The event was attended by several dignitaries, officials, and representatives from both the public and private sectors. HRH Princess Sabeeka highlighted the significant role of royal patronage in fostering the growth and evolution of the exhibition, solidifying its position as a crucial platform for advancing sustainable agricultural development. She emphasized Bahrain's dedication to food security, environmental sustainability, and the enhancement of agricultural sectors, ensuring a balance between urban expansion and green spaces to support the well-being of citizens and the nation's prosperity. Expressing pride in the broad participation witnessed at the exhibition, HRH Princess Sabeeka noted its importance as one of the premier specialized agricultural exhibitions in the region. She commended the contributions of official and private institutions in showcasing cutting-edge agricultural innovations and technologies, which are instrumental in advancing sustainability and expanding green spaces. These efforts, she stressed, play a vital role in enabling Bahraini farmers to adapt to modern agricultural developments. During her visit, HRH Princess Sabeeka toured the exhibition's diverse pavilions, appreciating the remarkable advancements in sustainable agriculture and the state-of-the-art technologies on display. She extended her gratitude to all supporting and participating entities, acknowledging their invaluable efforts in ensuring the success of the event. She also praised their commitment to promoting agricultural and environmental awareness, reinforcing Bahrain's leadership in sustainable agricultural initiatives. The Bahrain International Garden Show continues to serve as a key platform for knowledge exchange, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing the Kingdom's efforts to bolster agricultural sustainability and environmental stewardship.
