Bahrain Flour Mills Company (BFM) plays a crucial role in maintaining the nation’s food security, according to MP Mohammed Al Maarafi, the former head of the parliamentary investigation committee on food security in Bahrain. Al Maarafi has proposed a law that would ban the export of any products derived from government-supported wheat in order to protect the Kingdom’s food supply and ensure availability for its citizens. The BFM, a publicly traded company, receives full state support for its wheat purchases and stores the wheat in its silos to create a strategic reserve for the country. This reserve is essential for the food security of the population, with the residual bran from the milling process supporting livestock and poultry breeders, contributing to the nation’s self-reliance in meat, poultry, dairy, and related products.
In addition to enhancing food security, this policy also creates employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens who have long been engaged in these vocations. Al Maarafi emphasized the importance of the state retaining full control over wheat and its by-products, advocating for the state to acquire the remaining shares in Bahrain Flour Mills to ensure the stability of the strategic wheat reserve and prevent price volatility that could negatively impact the livelihoods of the citizenry. This move would help to safeguard the nation’s food security and ensure the availability of essential commodities for its people.
The proposal to ban the export of products derived from government-supported wheat aligns with efforts to prioritize domestic food security and maintain self-sufficiency in key agricultural products. By retaining control over wheat and its by-products, the state can better manage the strategic reserves and prevent external factors from jeopardizing the availability of essential food items for the population. The emphasis on supporting local livestock and poultry breeders through the use of residual bran further underscores the importance of promoting self-reliance in critical sectors of agriculture and food production.
Furthermore, the creation of employment opportunities for Bahraini citizens in the agricultural and food processing sectors not only strengthens the workforce but also contributes to the overall economic development of the country. By investing in these areas and ensuring stable supplies of essential commodities, Bahrain can enhance its food security, promote self-sufficiency, and create a more sustainable and resilient food system. The proposal to acquire remaining shares in Bahrain Flour Mills demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the nation’s strategic reserves and mitigating risks associated with price fluctuations and external market forces.
In conclusion, the efforts to prioritize domestic food security and maintain control over key agricultural products such as wheat and its by-products are essential for ensuring the availability of essential commodities for the people of Bahrain. By supporting local livestock and poultry breeders, creating employment opportunities, and investing in strategic reserves, Bahrain can enhance its food security, promote self-sufficiency, and protect the livelihoods of its citizens. The proposal to ban the export of government-supported wheat products and acquire remaining shares in Bahrain Flour Mills reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding the nation’s food security and ensuring a stable and reliable supply of essential food items for the population.
