Steady progress is being made on the new agricultural project at Buri region of Bahrain with nearly 87% of the infrastructure works already completed, reported BNA. 

A desalination plant is being set up in the area to meet the project's water requirements, it stated.

With the irrigation networks, water wells and two main substations ready, the project is set for completion by the year-end, stated Wael bin Nasser Al Mubarak, Minister of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, after inspecting the project site.

He was accompanied by Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa, Secretary-General of the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD), and Asim Abdullatif Abdulla, Undersecretary for Agriculture and Animal Affairs.

The land was allocated exclusively to Bahraini farmers through a public tender under 10 year contracts, including a one-year grace period, said the BNA report.

The minister said 12 Bahraini farmers had already received their allocated plots and begun constructing agricultural facilities and greenhouses. The construction has now reached 75%, he added.

Shaikha Maram highlighted the co-operation between NIAD and the ministry in supporting Bahraini farmers, increasing local agricultural production, and strengthening food security.

The project covers approximately 82,000 square metres and comprises 12 plots ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 square metres.  The land was allocated exclusively to Bahraini farmers through a public tender under ten year contracts, including a one year grace period.

The project covers 82,000 sqm area and comprises 12 plots ranging from 6,000 to 8,000 sq m, she added.