Manama: The National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) organised an online introductory workshop focusing on the "Best Agricultural Entrepreneurship Project" category under the King Hamad Award for Agricultural Development. This initiative aims to engage various stakeholders in promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Bahrain.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the workshop was conducted by the Award's judging panel to introduce the new category and encourage participation from youth, virtual and home-based businesses, university students, innovators, and entrepreneurs interested in the agricultural sector. The session provided insights into the category's objectives, participation requirements, evaluation criteria, and application process, addressing participants' queries.
The introduction of the Agricultural Entrepreneurship category is a strategic move reflecting the ongoing developments in the agricultural sector. It aims to support sustainable development by promoting practices that conserve resources while enhancing their efficient use in the Kingdom of Bahrain. This category seeks to attract new segments of society, offering them opportunities to develop innovative projects with potential for growth and sustainability.
The initiative also aims to foster investment in young people's ideas, supporting innovation and start-ups in the agricultural sector. This effort contributes to creating a more innovative sector capable of addressing future challenges, aligning with NIAD's focus on enhancing the agricultural sector, strengthening food security, and advancing self-sufficiency in Bahrain.
Shaikha Al Fadhel, Director of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development Directorate at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Chair of the Committee, emphasized the significance of the new category. She affirmed that it provides a vital platform for identifying promising agricultural projects and showcasing the creative potential of youth and community members. She highlighted Bahrain's rich agricultural heritage and stressed the importance of fostering innovative projects that leverage modern technologies for sustainable resource use.
Shaikha Al Fadhel extended an invitation to university students, virtual and home-based businesses, innovators, entrepreneurs, and others interested in agriculture to participate. She noted that promising ideas have the potential to evolve into sustainable projects, supporting agricultural development in Bahrain.