Project Name：Horticultural Crops Development Consultants Dispatch Project (Bahrain)

Project status：Projects in Operation

Cooperating Country：Middle East, Bahrain

Project Description：

The Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), in accordance with the “Agreement of Agricultural Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of China and the Government of the State of Bahrain” has dispatched a technical mission to Bahrain to provide technical assistance on potential areas of agricultural cooperation with the “Agricultural Affairs and Animal Resources Sector” under the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture of Bahrain. The main tasks include: 1. Identifying and assessing the annual needs of Bahraini counterpart institutions and formulating annual work plans; 2.Providing project progress reports and annual summary reports in accordance with a project management approach; 3.Delivering advisory services based on the key priorities of project implementation.

Project Objectives：

1.Identifying and assessing the annual needs of Bahraini counterpart institutions and formulating annual work plans;

2.Providing project progress reports and annual summary reports in accordance with a project management approach;

3.Delivering advisory services based on the key priorities of project implementation.

Executing Agency：

Taiwan Technical Mission in the Kingdom of Bahrain / Minister of Municipal Affairs and Agriculture, Bahrain 

Current Progress：

Major Achievements Completed as of June 2026

1. Application and Development of Tissue Culture Technologies

The project continued to promote the production of high-value date palm and orchid seedlings through the application of plant tissue culture technology. Research efforts were also expanded to develop tissue culture protocols for additional date palm varieties and other promising crops.

To date, four subculture cycles have been completed for Khunaizi date palm and Phalaenopsis orchids, while two subculture cycles each have been conducted for Khalas date palm, Barhi date palm, banana, and potato. In addition, the project organized two laboratory visits to facilitate knowledge exchange and strengthen technical collaboration.

2. Supporting Agricultural Diversification

In alignment with the National Development Strategy Bahrain 2030 and its objective of enhancing agricultural diversification, the project has facilitated the introduction of promising crops, including dragon fruit and passion fruit, while establishing cultivation practices adapted to local environmental conditions.

To date, the project has introduced and maintained 41 dragon fruit plants and 35 passion fruit plants. It has also successfully developed a vegetative propagation protocol for dragon fruit, providing a foundation for future expansion and commercial production. Furthermore, a field demonstration visit was organized to strengthen extension services.

3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Transfer

The project has been working closely with partner institution to implement cooperative training programs aimed at cultivating local and regional agricultural professionals. Through seminars and deployment initiatives focused on smart agriculture technologies, the project has contributed to enhancing agricultural management capacity in Bahrain. 

At present, the project is providing a long-term tissue culture training program for two trainees and has offered a short-term internship opportunity for one trainee. In addition, a smart agriculture expert has been successfully deployed to support technology exchange and capacity development efforts. Throughout the reporting period, the project also delivered horticultural consultation services to government agencies and local farmers in Bahrain, totaling 18 advisory engagements.

4. Promoting and Validating Water-Saving Cultivation Technologies

Recognizing limited water resources in Bahrain, the project has collaborated with a local school to pilot and demonstrate Taiwan’s innovative water-storing seedling pot system, showcasing practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.

Currently, 20 demonstration units are being maintained, with irrigation and plant growth data continuously collected and analyzed. The results will serve as a valuable basis for technology validation and wider extension service of water-saving cultivation practices.

Project Contact：Mr. Yu

Phone：+886-2-2873-2323 Ext.6039

E-mail：t.c.yu@icdf.org.tw

Projected Benefits：

Assist Bahrain’s agricultural sector in improving the standard and quality of services provided to farmers.

Mission：Taiwan Technical Mission in the Kingdom of Bahrain