INVESTING in Bahrain’s agricultural industry will be highlighted this weekend as the country’s largest and most colourful exhibition opened yesterday.

The ninth annual Bahrain International Garden Show (BIGS) is being held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad with the support of Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of the King and National Initiative for Agricultural Development president.

The show, which will continue until Saturday, features a wide array of exhibits, garden displays, farmer’s produce, companies and workshops.

This year’s theme is Investing in Agriculture, and is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC).

BIGS general co-ordinator Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa said she hoped this would encourage investment and future self-sufficiency and security for Bahrain.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the event, which will house the winners of the 48th Annual Amateur Flower and Vegetable Competition.

The show also includes farmers from the country’s weekly Farmer’s Market in Budaiya to give visitors a taste of the produce available locally, said organisers.

The theme stand will host a variety of people, as well as showcase challenges facing agriculture in Bahrain, and possible solutions.

“We will also state the national strategy for agriculture development launched by the Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs Ministry,” added Shaikha Maram.

“It’s their framework for how to proceed in the future, and it’s important for the public to have access to it.”

A number of organisations that offer financial, technical and educational support to potential investors and business owners will also be showcased at the event to increase public awareness of services available in Bahrain.

BIGS will be open to the public from today until Saturday, from 10am to 9pm at the BIECC. Entrance for adults costs 500 fils for a three-day pass, and is free for children.

THE WINNERS…

Winners of the Bahrain Garden Club competition:

1. His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa Cup: To exhibitor gaining most points in Gardens – classes 70-77

Serous Kazarooni

2. His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Cup:

To exhibitor gaining most points in Flowers – classes 1-24

Bahrain Garden Club

3. His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Cup:

To exhibitor gaining most points in Vegetables – classes 25-46

Tahera Jaberi

4. His Highness Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa Cup:

To club member for most points in experimental gardening classes 49-51

Dr Nabeela Alawadhi

5. Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Cup:

To exhibitor gaining best points in Photography – class 83(a)

Francis Lobo

6. Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Cup:

To exhibitor gaining best points in Photography – class 83(b)

Noor Abdulazeez Alassmi

7. His Highness Shaikh Abdulla Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Cup: To exhibitor for best Environmentally Friendly Garden – class 81

Abdulhamid Abdulghafar

8. Her Highness Shaikha Haya Bint Mohamed Al Khalifa Cup: To exhibitor gaining most points in exotic Plants – class 80

Akdas Kazaroni

Serous Kazarooni

9. Yateem Trophy:

Best floral exhibit in the show

None

10. Cooper Ikebana Bowl: Best exhibit in class 62(a) – Ikebana

Nabeela Alawadhi

11. The Japanese Ambassador’s Award: Best exhibit in class 62(b) – Ikebana

Faiqa Alawadhi

12. The Bahrain Japan Friendship Society Award:

Best exhibit in class 62(c) – Ikebana Special Occasion

Faiqa Alawadhi

13. The Flower Arranger Award:

Best exhibit in Class 56

None

14. Keen Goblet: Best exhibit in Class 60

Batool Bader

15. Kanoo Cup: Best kept small garden in class 70(a)

Bahrain Garden Club

16. Bahrain Garden Club Rose Bowl:

Best kept medium Garden 70(b)

Akdas Kazaroni

17. Bahrain Garden Club Plate: Best kept large garden class 70(c)

Amal Almoayyed

18. Beckett Trophy: Most points in the collections classes (24, 45).
laala@gdn.com.bh