Award Sparks Farming Innovation Support boosts sustainable farming gains

TDT | Manama
Bahraini farmer Ali Ashoor, winner of the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development in the 'Best Bahraini Farmer' category, says the recognition has inspired a new wave of innovation and competitiveness among local farmers, including a 40 percent increase in his own farm's production over the past year.
Calling the award 'a badge of pride,' Ashoor said the honour went beyond motivation, strengthening his resolve to keep improving farming practices and yield.
Ashoor's farm currently produces around 50 varieties of vegetables, including 10 types of tomatoes, three cucumber varieties, and five to six types of peppers.
The selection, he said, is tailored to meet local market demand, particularly during the Farmers' Market season.
He explained that the farm intentionally focuses on cultivating crops not commonly available in Bahrain.
'We import seeds and conduct research to adapt them for local farming and production,' he said.
Ashoor praised the King Hamad Award for sparking healthy competition among farmers and elevating the overall standard of agricultural practice in the Kingdom.
'Farmers today are far more driven than before,' he said. 'We aim to keep increasing production every year.'

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