Page 209 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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ANNUAL REPORT OI- THE AGRICULTURAL OFFICER

(Mr. A. W. Van-Ollcnbach)
FOR THE YEAR 1954
Introduction
The climatic and other conditions prevailing in Bahrain can hardly be said to be favourable
for Agriculture, and the industry as a whole, although it is reasonably active, cannot be said
to be in a flourishing condition.
The annual rainfall which varies considerably from 0.15-in. to 7-in. falls during the winter
months and is not always beneficial as it is usually accompanied by high, cold winds which are
apt to defoliate crops and deposit saline sand particles on foliage, causing saline burns.
High summer temperatures on the other hand, increase the water requirements of crops
and in a country where unlimited supplies of water are not available the acreage under crops
is reduced appreciably.
The major portion of the agricultural land on the Island is owned by Shaikhs and merchants
who, on the whole, are not very interested in Agriculture and who usually lease out their
gardens to tenants on a two-year basis. The rents charged are relatively high and as the cost of
labour has risen very appreciably in the past few years, tenants are finding it increasingly
difficult to meet the rents and make a living off the land. In endeavouring to overcome their
difficulties many tenants employ the minimum labour force, take all they possibly can from the
land, reduce cultural work as far as possible and as the tenancy only covers a short period,
put little or nothing back into the land. This practice over a long period tends to reduce the
potential of the gardens and deterioration is very noticeable in date palm gardens.
Many low-lying areas which produced excellent crops in the past are gradually be coming
non-productive due to the lack of drainage and a rising water-table which precludes the develop­
ment of citrus growing as well as other deep-rooted crops.
One of the main factors that has helped to retard agricultural development in the past
has been the problem of selling agricultural produce at a reasonable profit. The policy
of the Bahrain Government has been rigidly to control the export of fruit and vegetables and
although this policy has ensured a plentiful supply of vegetables in season it has definitely bred
apathy and a lack of interest in expansion among the farmers. The local market, which is
limited in scope, has been controlled by a few contractors, who supply the large consumers and
as agricultural produce is perishable growers have been forced to accept very poor prices for
their produce. The change in policy which now allows growers to export European type
vegetables will, it is hoped, prove to be a great incentive to farmers and the expansion in the
cropping area should provide produce for local consumption and for export to neighbouring
markets.
Another factor which has played an important part in depressing agricultural development
has been the poverty of the farmers who have had little or no capital with which to make
improvements. Now that an Agricultural Loan has been approved it is hoped that farmers
will be in a position to procure their requirements and improve their holdings.

Soil
The soil, like most desert areas, is low in fertility and deficient in nitrogen content, and the
use of fertilizers and organic matter is essential to increase yields and improve the quality of
crops. Due to the lack of nitrogen, serious fertility problems arise and land that is put under
cultivation must have appreciable applications of nitrogenous fertilizers, or soil building crops
such as Lucerne should be grown. Like most arid soils weathering is characterised by the
accumulation of “hardpans” and in some cases a thin clay layer above the hardpans decreases
soil permeability.
Adequate irrigation, although it may keep soil moisture at an optimum also introduces
many problems such as the accumulation of salt and waterlogging and the latter is very notice­
able in certain areas in Bahrain where drainage is practically non-existent. During periods of
relatively low humidity crusting of the soil surface takes place and the movement of salt becomes
intensified.