Against the backdrop of the prestigious Bahrain International Garden Show 2010 and under the patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Wife of HM the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women, Tamkeen and Ebdaa Bank have signed an agreement to launch a Farmers’ Support Programme.

The national agricultural initiative is aimed at promoting the farming sector in Bahrain and encouraging the nascent agricultural sector through technical support and micro-loans which will allow farmers access to modern agricultural equipment, methods and markets.

In co-operation with Ebdaa Bank, which specialises in micro financing, Tamkeen aims at providing a brighter and more prosperous future for Bahraini farmers. In accordance with the signed agreement, Tamkeen has allocated a BD 4 million budget to support 600 Bahraini farmers for a two-year period to adopt modern techniques and methods and meet the requirements of agricultural and animal sectors.

Tamkeen’s programme has been designed to encompass soil and soilless cultivation in addition to the adoption of modern techniques in the field of farming and breeding. The total support amounts to 80% of the cost of modern machinery and supplies, up to a maximum of BD 7,000. The beneficiary will bear 20% of the cost.

Support includes the purchase of agricultural machinery and tools, electrical pumps, cooling devices for greenhouse cultivations, refrigerators for fruits and vegetables, water desalination and machinery for the preparation of dairy products.

The agreement was signed on behalf of Tamkeen by Chief Executive  Abdulellah Al-Qassimi,  and on behalf of Ebdaa Bank by CEO, Dr. Waheed Al-Qasim. 

Tamkeen’s Chief Executive, Abdulellah Al-Qassimi said: “Agriculture is a key component of food security in the kingdom.  This project, guided by the vision of HRH Princess Sabeeka, aims to increase the potential of this vital sector. The programme is designed to support 600 farmers to improve agricultural productivity and improve availability of local produce supply for local food consumption.”

Ebdaa Bank CEO, Dr. Waheed Al Qassim said his organisation was keen to use their expertise in micro-financing to revitalise the Kingdom’s agricultural sector. Dr Waheed also added that Ebdaa Bank is the first of its kind that provides microcredit loans for individuals with limited income while providing them with trainings and consultations through cooperating with other organisations.

“Ebdaa Bank is looking forward to further cooperating with Tamkeen in supporting Bahraini farmers as an external body that manages the financial fund.  Dr. Al Qassim also stated that the bank is providing new services in the field of micro financing through its partnership in managing the fund,” he said.
 
Dr. Al Qassimi and Mr. Abdulelah Al Qassimi  also thanked Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Wife of HM the King, President of the Supreme Council for Women for her acceptance of launching this fund at the Bahrain International Garden Show 2010. HRH Princess Sabeeka has created a notable transition, transforming the garden show to an exhibit that creates job opportunities, builds awareness and provides techniques; hence it is considered a development mechanism for the agricultural sector that has positive influence on the Bahraini society.

This programme is a part of the comprehensive reform project of His Majesty the Kingd Hamad bin Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa in meeting Vision 2030 objectives of providing equal opportunity to capitalise on abilities and potentials, to enhance human rights and basic freedoms, including the rights of development and equal participation of men and women to accomplish security and peace at all levels including food security and its importance in encountering economic circumstances.