Manama, Feb. 23 (BNA): Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the continued support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Wife of HM the King, President of the Consultative Council of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) will be officially inaugurated on March 3 at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) and will be open to the public on March 4-7.
“The show is a unique event as it combines being a commercial exhibition that contributes to creating important opportunities for participating organizations to expand their activities locally, regionally and internationally, with the education and knowledge it spreads as it offers chances to exchange experiences and opinions, introduces the latest innovations and provides awareness on the best ways and methods to care for gardens and green areas and to protect the environment,” NIAD Secretary General Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa said at a media conference.
Throughout the previous editions, the show managed to create an important bridge for communication and to enhance fruitful co-operation between participating regional and international companies, as well as local participants, which paved the way for companies to enter the region’s markets and strengthen their positions and shares within them, Shaikha Maram added.
“Every year the exhibition focuses on a different theme that represents a pressing issue facing the agricultural sector in order to work on improving systems and methods, and find solutions and alternatives that contribute to the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the kingdom,” she said.
“This year the show is held under the theme ‘Water: Regenerating Life’ and will focus on the importance of water and how to preserve it to guarantee its sustainability as it is the source of life on earth. It is expected that the rate of water consumption will continue to increase by up to 20 to 30 percent by the year 2050, which will exacerbate the problem if proper solutions are not implemented from now and if the culture of correct practices in using water resources is not spread.”
The theme stand will highlight several water-related topics including some statistics on water consumption in Bahrain, the importance of working to achieve water security which is closely related to food security, and the role individuals play in conserving water in homes and domestic gardens.
The theme stand will also include two spaces for guest organizations: The first will be allocated for the Arabian Gulf University (AGU) to showcase the latest scientific research on water and their recommendations for water resource management policy in the kingdom.
The second will be allocated for Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), where they will display research projects dedicated for rationalizing water consumption and sustainable agricultural practices.
They will also demonstrate ways of preserving natural resources, using seasonal rainwater and improving methods for data collection that helps decision makers draw plans and future strategies in the agricultural field.
Kuwait-based Society of Agriculture Engineers will be present in the same space and will showcase information about water sources, choosing the right trees to plant based on water available for irrigation and sustainable irrigation solutions. Visitors will have the opportunity to benefit from the expertise of the participating organizations on all matters related to the water sector.
This year, more than 200 exhibitors will showcase their designs, products, technologies and innovations over a 7,000 sqm space.
The Market Zone, in hall 1, will include several companies and plant nurseries to promote different products like flowers, saplings, agricultural tools, flowerpots, garden furniture, lighting equipment, all food products and agricultural services.
Hall 2, the Awareness Zone, will feature official and educational organizations as well as civil society organizations that will showcase their programs and services in the fields of agriculture, environment and sustainability. They will also exhibit innovations and agricultural projects.
The participants this year come from 27 countries including Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Russia, Netherlands, Greece, USA, Japan, Poland, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Central African Republic, and Kyrgyzstan as well as several agricultural companies from regional and Arabic countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Oman, Morocco, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt.
All countries will be offering their latest innovations, designs, agricultural technologies, applications and successful experiments in the field, as well as offer consultation, services and products.
A special space will be allocated for Bahraini Farmers Market with 14 Bahraini farmers, selected following a draw. It will be an opportunity to promote local produce and provide an additional marketing opportunity for the local farmers.
The show will feature a special children corner under the name “Khalasi’s Garden”, that will include eight workshops every day to teach children skills, crafts and transforming materials into creative ideas. It will also feature electronic games that educate children on the right amount of water plants need. A model will be available to show children how power is generated from water.
Shaikha Maram extended her thanks and appreciation to the Bahrain World Trade Centre, Tamkeen, Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC), Kuwait Finance House (KFH), Aluminium Bahrain (Alba), Bahrain Airport Company, Bahrain National Gas Company (Banagas), Saudi Telecom Company (STC), Al Salam Bank and the official carrier Gulf Air, as well as all local newspapers for their support this year.
She affirmed that their support had a great impact on the success of the show and its growth over the years. It also reflects the faith these national organizations have in the importance of spreading agricultural education for the future and sustainability of the sector.
“We are looking forward to welcoming visitors at Bahrain International Garden Show and we encourage them to benefit from the information, ideas and expertise of the participating organizations and to view the latest goods and services displayed this year,” Shaikha Maram said.
