Bahrain Food Monitor Agriculture
Agriculture

Bahrain’s Agricultural History

Agriculture was a major and important sector of Bahrain’s economy historically and date cultivation was the main dominant in bahrain’s agriculture producing sufficient dates for the local consumption and export. At least twenty three varieties of dates were grown. Also extensively used were the leaves, branches, buds, and flowers of the date palm. During the period from the 1950s to 1970s, there was a gradual decline in date cultivation due to several factors such as changing food consumption habits and the increasing salinity of the aquifers that served as irrigation sources. By the 1980s, a significant number of palm groves had been replaced by new kinds of agricultural activities, including vegetable gardens, nurseries for trees and flowers, poultry production and dairy farm.

Bahrain’s Agriculture Today

While there was indeed the threat of Bahrain's agricultural production decreasing due to its lack of water resources and shortage of land, the implementation of alternative crop production methods has left the hope of an increasingly more sustainable future for the kingdom. According to a recent Mordor Intelligence report, an organisation that specialises in delivering data and insights on market trends, Bahrain agriculture is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 1.50% starting from 2019 to 2024. This figure incorporates three main sectors of food production: food crops, fruits and vegetables.

Bahrain’s Adoption of Horticulture to Increase Food Production

After Bahrain's 2007 food crisis, the government recognised that not only was Bahrain suffering from a major lack of water but also was facing an increase in population. As such, the necessary actions needed to be taken to cater to these changes. Ever since, plenty of Bahrain’s farmers have been adopting horticulture, a more cost-effective and sustainable form of agriculture that runs on a smaller scale of land and thus requires less maintenance as a whole. This means that not only are smaller scales of land being used but also a lower supply of water is needed for crop growth. The motivation behind this form of agricultural production method is to maximise growth while also conserving what remaining resources are available locally. So far, horticulture has been observed to contribute to the boost of food production in Bahrain as well as improving its agricultural situation.

Industry Updates

Agriculture

Global Agrifood Policy Updates Highlight Biosecurity, Consumption Support, and Tariff Changes in Early 2026

In early 2026, governments worldwide intensified biosecurity efforts, expanded seasonal consumption support, and adjusted import tariffs amid evolving agrifood challenges.

Global Agrifood Policy Updates Highlight Biosecurity, Consumption Support, and Tariff Changes in Early 2026
Agriculture

Global Agrifood Policy Updates Highlight Biosecurity, Consumption Support, and Tariff Changes in Early 2026

In early 2026, governments worldwide intensified biosecurity efforts, expanded seasonal consumption support, and adjusted import tariffs amid evolving agrifood challenges.

Agriculture

UN Chief Forms Task Force to Ensure Fertilizer Flow Through Strait of Hormuz

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has established a task force to safeguard fertilizer shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating.

Agriculture

Bahrain Ranks Among Top 50 Globally for Food Security with Strategic Initiatives

Bahrain has secured its position as one of the world’s most food-secure nations through a comprehensive national strategy, advanced agricultural.

Agriculture

Gulf Food Security at Risk as Iran Conflict Disrupts Strait of Hormuz Shipping

Gulf states face their most severe food security challenge since 2008 as the Iran war disrupts key shipping routes through.

Agriculture

Bahrain to Host World’s First International Date Observatory

Bahrain will serve as the permanent home for the first International Date Observatory, boosting the kingdom's role in global agricultural.

View More

Useful Links

X