A BAHRAIN company claims it could revolutionise the country’s agricultural industry.

Green GeoEarth is showcasing its product, GeoRevive, at the Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS), which is being held until tomorrow at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

Its founder and chief executive Manfred Schuermann told the GDN that the product could change the face of Bahrain within several years.

“Our product is something that you add to sand – just plain sand – in order to improve the growth of plants,” he explained.

“It’s a German product, developed through technological advances.

“We’ve been based here in Bahrain, in Sitra, for the last five years.”

Mr Schuermann said the product was an extraordinary technology for farmers and landscapers.

“There are three ways GeoRevive helps,” he added.

“First, it saves 90 per cent water consumption.

“Secondly, we improve the odds of the plants surviving. At the moment, when new palm trees are planted, 60pc die. Using our product, I can guarantee that 99pc will survive.

“Finally, we reduce up to 70pc of fertiliser consumption.

“It should only be used once in the plant’s lifetime. It biodegrades after eight years and turns the sand into a better fertiliser.

“It means the more we use this product, the better Bahrain’s soil will be in the future.”

He predicted Bahrain could soon have green pastures across the five governorates.

“Soon you’ll be driving down the street and you’ll almost forget you live in a dessert,” he added.

BIGS also boasts an array of farmers who use both traditional and modern farming methods, including hydroponics – the process of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions in water, and without soil.

“Farming is a hobby and an investment for me,” said Sarraya Noor Garden owner Sami Alalawi.

“I’m actually a chemical engineer. But my wife and I started farming, and we really enjoy it.

“Conventional farming is very difficult in Bahrain. We have salty water and a harsh climate.

“Hydroponics make it easier to farm. The same amount of land yields four times the quantity, and has a 30pc better chance of survival.”

He said Bahraini farmers and the agriculture industry needed more support from authorities.

“We often grow all this wonderful produce and then just give it away to our friends rather than be able to sell it,” he said.

“This show is good exposure, but we also hope people continue to be supported.”

Farmer Mohammed Mohsin, who usually sells his produce at the weekly Farmer’s Market in Budaiya, has also taken part in the show.

“Being selected for BIGS was wonderful,” he said.

“We’re hoping for some good exposure.

“It’s a great way of encouraging farmers.”

Egyptian herbalist Yousif Khalifa is displaying different types of herbs to be used as alternative medicine.

“I grow all the herbs myself,” he said.

“It’s a very organic way of growing plants, we don’t use any pesticides. Naturally, the fewer chemicals that are used, the healthier the outcome will be.

“It’s very popular in Egypt, but I would love to expand to Bahrain in the near future.”

Meanwhile, Alba has also taken part in the show, where it launched a book comprising details and pictures of the vegetation grown within the smelter.

It is also showcasing eco-friendly measures taken by the company, in addition to the importance given to sustainability.

The show is supported by Tamkeen and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido), while sponsors include National Bank of Bahrain (main sponsor), Bahrain World Trade Centre, Bahrain-based Four Seasons and Bahrain Airport Company.

laala@gdn.com.bh