The event is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa until the 2nd of March, 2013.
HRH Princess Sabeeka affirmed on the importance of investing in the agricultural field in the Kingdom of Bahrain due to the available potential in such field which promises high return on investment and brings benefit to the kingdom of Bahrain including achieving self sufficiency.
She underscored the need to use modern technologies in agriculture, adding that care and attention for the Agriculture field is given high priority within the future plans of the countries of the world.
She went on to say that the issue of securing food is very important and should not be delayed due to the increase of agricultural produce.
She highlighted the importance of promoting investment opportunities in the field of agriculture and to enhance the Public-Private sector investment in such sector.
HRH voiced satisfaction in the level of investment pursued by the national Bahraini Companies in the field of agriculture ad expressed hope to see more companies invest in such direction in order to support agriculture in Bahrain.
Princess Sabeeka highlighted that the Bahrain International garden Show has become a well-known one – listed on the International Map of Shows exhibition specializing in the Agriculture Field. This she said reflects the status the Bahrain garden show enjoys.
Princess Sabeeka expressed thanks and appreciation to the bodies and establishments that responded to the exhibition and took part in it through exhibiting their innovations and modern method in the field of garden and landscapes.
She also expressed thanks to the Director-General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella for attending the opening ceremony and for his support through participating in the event.
HRH Princess Sabeeka toured the exhibition including the main part of the exhibition, being held this year under the slogan “Investment in Agriculture”.
She also distributed awards to winners of the Bahrain Garden Club and the Ministry of Education Competition.
Her Royal Highness launched an annual competition which BIGS has been regularly organizing since its launch under the patronage of the late Shaikh Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa and build on the historical heritage of agricultural shows held by the State in public gardens since the 1950’s. Her objective from this was to turn BIGS into a landmark in the agenda of specialized shows held in Bahrain and to contribute clearly towards heightening community awareness of environmental issues and also to turn the event into a strong take-off towards establishing more gardens in partnership with the private sector and disseminate them all over the Kingdom of Bahrain, including businesses, industrial organizations and housing suburbs in order to be enjoyed by citizens and the future generations.
The concept of staging BIGS throughout these years has developed to become an annual event concerned with the concept and idea of sustainable environment and providing the opportunity for Bahraini youths to prove themselves and showcase their abilities and skills in innovative initiatives.
This beautiful spring event has become an annual tradition for nine years full of innovation and achievement. This year’s event is unique in that it is part of the NIAD launched by Her Royal Highness Shaikha Sabeeka Bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa in March 2010. It is becoming an annual event embraced by NIAD which aimed at supporting efforts to develop agriculture in the Kingdom of Bahrain and take the agricultural sector to new heights making it a choice for those involved in it.
Given the high public interest, visitors usually look forward to seeing new and innovative techniques in plans and modern methods in flower arrangement, landscaping, tools and accessories to develop outdoor spaces at their homes.
To attract the largest number of exhibitors, BIGS will provide new spaces for the exhibitors, as well as the best agricultural expertise which the organizers are keen to provide to the public in addition to patronizing new talents in landscaping and garden design.
In fulfillment of His Majesty the king’s wish to turn the event into an international landmark, BIGS will continue its excellence and achievements year after year, drawing on the history of Bahrain in the field of agriculture, with its deep rooted and chequered history in this field. The palm tree has been used as a logo in all Delmonic antiquities and archaeological sites. BIGS will continue to pay attention to the occupation of agriculture which is still surviving, in order to protect it from disappearance and encourage Bahraini youths to keep this green march because this is the responsibility of all individuals since Bahrain is the motherland of all.