New plans are underway to increase food security levels, including increasing productivity, stockpiling and providing quality consumables.
Minister of Local Government and Agriculture Wael Al Mubarak said that ensuring food security is a continuous and ongoing process, which is regularly updated, upgraded and leveled up according to statistics and analytical percentages.
He told MPs yesterday during a debate on the findings of the Parliamentary Commission of Inquiry into Food Security that the country was investing in certain products that had scope for expansion.
“We see opportunities and opportunities in food security and are focusing our investments on poultry, eggs, aquaculture and traditional fishing,” the minister said.
“All those involved in the fields of agriculture, livestock and aquaculture receive endless benefits and support from us as we work on new plans to increase food security in this country. ” he added.
“We are looking to evolve and Congress’ support, feedback and interest strengthens our future direction.
“As Bahrain develops a long-term roadmap to achieve food security, this is not a momentary initiative but a long-term commitment, and we are building on our international and regional partnerships. We are committed to building and promoting cutting-edge technology and innovation to advance agricultural production and production of aquaculture.”
He added that the GCC is cooperating on food security programs of common interest through the Unified Commission.
“We have two large-scale agricultural projects here in Bahrain that are expected to see the light of day and be fully operational by the end of the year.
“A total of 85,617 tons of poultry meat and 92 million edible eggs were produced last year.
“Our plan is to reach 120 million eggs by the end of this year through a major expansion of our production line,” he added.
“Under the new plan, our chick production will also increase from 9 million chicks per year to around 30 million to 40 million chicks, which will reduce our dependence on imports to just 30%.
“It’s not just the project we’re working on, violations are being closely monitored and 1,014 expatriate fishermen have been referred to prosecutors since the beginning of the year.”
Meanwhile, Ghanim Al Buainain, Minister of Parliamentary and Shura Council Affairs, rejected claims by MPs that the government was content with increasing prices in order to earn more from VAT (value added tax).
“Basic goods are first not taxed and the government helps people cope with inflation through monthly allowances,” he said.
“Therefore, these accusations are false.
“In fact, we are working to stabilize market prices within affordability and achievable rates to ensure that we do not deplete the pockets of our people and ensure that we achieve our objectives.”
MP Mohammed Al-Olaywi said this was a surprising comment considering there is no Bahrain without bank loans.
“We need to test the DNA of Bahrainis who claim they have no loans,” he added.
Acting Chairman Abdulnabi Salman said the Joint Committee on Grants and Social Welfare will resume operations next week.
Jalila al-Sayed, vice-chairman of Parliament’s Palestine Support Committee, broke down in tears as she spoke about food security and how people in Gaza are struggling to eat because aid is not reaching them.
Salman asked his colleagues to observe a minute’s silence for the victims of the war in Gaza.
All 17 recommendations by the Commission of Inquiry were approved and referred to the Cabinet for implementation.
The committee said Bahrain needs to achieve food security by increasing and sustaining local production, rather than relying on imports, which account for 90% of the food it consumes.
Panel Chairman Mohamed Al Marafi stressed the need to encourage, support and diversify foreign and domestic investment in food production.
He also called for safe and effective alternatives, especially after canceling the Qairat Bahrain project, which was scheduled to be implemented in Sudan.
Meanwhile, parliament’s second vice-speaker, Ahmed Karata, called for a correction to a statement he made last week in which he referred to North and South Yemen rather than North and South Korea.
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