WATER shortages in some villages are allegdly killing Bahrain’s crops as authorities attempt to tackle the potentially “disastrous” problem.

Farmers in the Northern Governorate have been complaining about reduced water supplies being pumped into their facilities from the Tubli Waste Water Treatment Plant.

They say they have been forced to pay for tanks to manually water their plants to save some crops from withering,

They also predict that yields could be drastically reduced due to the dry spell, which could affect food production and prices.

Farmer Yousif Al Buri, who is also a member of the soon-to-be launched Bahrain Farmers Society, has raised the issue with the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry.

“Farms in Karranah, Barbar, Janabiya, Hamala and other areas in Bahrain have been affected by this shortage,” he said.

“Water from the Tubli station does reach, but in very small quantities which does not cover our farms’ needs.

“It is destroying our produce and threatening our crops and income.

“We have raised the issue with officials at the ministry who promised to do something, but so far nothing has happened.

He said farmers fear the water shortage could affect the new harvesting season when tomatoes, eggplants and bell peppers mature.

“We are nearing the new planting season and we are already sceptical the crops will make it with the very low amount of water available.

“Some farmers have even stated they will not plant much until the issue is solved and a permanent solution is found to save our produce.”

Mr Al Buri, who is representing dozens of farmers, said they are demanding authorities to compensate them for all the crops they lost.

They have also called for a law to protect farmers from such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, area councillor Nader Al Boori, whose constituency covers Buri, Hamala, Quraya and Janabiya, said the problem has been festering for months.

“However, we thought it was finally over after a meeting was held with officials who also paid a visit to the farms in the area three months ago,” he said.

“But recently the problem persisted and I started getting complaints from farmers on lack of water supplies to take care of their crops.”

He stressed the problem was affecting local produce of vegetables and fruits, which could affect food production and prices.

“Buri farms are renowned for their huge contribution to the local produce,” he said.

“This shortage of water is affecting such produce and it shows in the market when you search for local produce.”
basma@gdn.com.bh