Come winter and weekends are abuzz at Budaiyya! If you are still wondering where and how, it’s of course the Farmers’ Market every Saturday that began again this winter, from the 3rd of December.
It is one place in Budaiyya where unbelievably great quality fresh local produce can be procured at incredibly low rates. Added to these are yummy live cooking stations, fresh food options, and delightful activities for kids like pony-riding, tree planting and painting. Lined up are culinary events like special cooking classes, sampling platters, cook-offs and competitions will add to the gastronomic delight.
Set outdoors in the beautiful botanical gardens of Bahrain, the Farmers’ Market serves as an idyllic venue and a perfect place for family and friends to picnic on the grass, taste the delectable treats on offer or buy fresh produce. Artists, handicrafts, agriculture and local goods stalls will display their products for sale.
Kids will enjoy exploring the gardens, reading under a tree or simply trying their hand at painting. Folk entertainment coupled with art and food will make for a perfect family day out. For a taste of a refreshing traditional Arabic breakfast, you should go early and reserve your spot on the grass.
It is interesting to note how the Farmers’ Market started four years ago. Speaking to BTW, the President of the Farmers’ Market, Ms Amani Idrees informed us that there is an interesting history into how the Farmers’ Market came into being. ‘The farmers were complaining that we are growing and no market for our products due to the imported products which is competing with our products, and this led to ideating this weekly market,’ she said. The objective of the Farmer’s Market was primarily to find a market for the local product and help the Bahraini farmers to overcome marketing hurdles. It was aimed at introducing the Bahraini farmers and their distinguished local products to the public.
The best bit about this market is that it developed and expanded over the years to become a place for people from everywhere not only from Bahrain but from GCC countries. It is also interesting to note how the local produce are sourced from this market and used by various premium hotels and restaurants of the Island who vouch for the freshness and the high quality of the vegetables and fruits locally produced and sold at this market.
However, when asked about the challenges faced so far, Ms Idrees stated it was largely in trying to help the farmers in competing and working hard for the best in quality, quantity and the way to display their products. Although currently the Farmers’ Market is seasonal, i.e., it starts in December and lasts till the end of April, it was heartening to know from Ms Idrees that the big plan in the future is to create a permanent market that is open throughout the year. This certainly would boost Bahrain’s agri-economy greatly.
As the Farmers’ Market work towards materializing this dream, the management extends its heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bahrain for their warm reception of this concept market and for supporting the Bahraini Farmer as well as the local produce of Bahrain.