Bahrain efforts to achieve food security stepped up

Bahrain is stepping up efforts to develop sustained agriculture, banking on hydroculture.Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Minister Dr Jumaa Al Ka'abi visited a pilot hydroponic farm.He pledged support for the use of this hi-tech farming method to promote food security, stressing the importance of partnership with the private sector.He highlighted benefits of hydroponic farming, particularly high productivity and efficient water use.The ministry has allocated land in Hoorat A'ali for investors to produce vegetables, using hydroponic technology, which is considered the most advanced farming method."Hydroponically grown plants require much less land surface, compared to the conventional agriculture, and help conserve resources," he said.Launched in 2010, the scheme aims at promoting agricultural investment, protecting arable land, achieving food security and conserving resources.He outlined the ministry's efforts to promote hydroculture, support small farmers, set up farming incubators and provide technical assistance.