Page 316 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AGRICULTURAL OFFICER
(Mr. A. W. Van-OllcnbacM
Introduction
From the point of view of climate and freedom from locust attacks, 1955 was a relatively
good year as far as local agriculture was concerned.
Comparatively heavy winter rainfall and low summer temperatures stimulated plant
growth over the worst period of the year.
The introduction of selected vegetable seeds from disease resistant strains produced an
abundance of quality vegetables in the local market. Unfortunately, as the scope of the local
market is very limited and the market is also controlled by a few contractors the position with
regard to the sale of vegetables deteriorated and growers were forced by the perishable nature
of their produce to accept very low prices.
The limited export of European type vegetables allowed by the Bahrain Government did
not help appreciably as unfortunately most of the growers being illiterate, few if any contracts
were made with the larger consumers in neighbouring countries.
Another factor which also helped to limit the export of vegetables was the fact that most of
the large consumers import vegetables and fruit from the Lebanon on a yearly basis and are
unwilling to import vegetables from Bahrain over a comparatively short period during the
winter season.
The position regarding the leasing of gardens to farmers is still very unsatisfactory. The
short tenure system which is normal in Bahrain is helping to reduce the potential of the gardens
and deterioration is very noticeable. This problem could be solved if garden owners increased
the length of leases from two to five years and evolved a profit sharing scheme with the
cultivators.
Observation trials on a large number of vegetables were carried out at the Government
Experimental Centre and full details have been recorded giving results and particulars about
their cultivation. These experiments were made with seed from U.S.A., Cyprus and elsewhere.

Grasses, Fodder Crops, etc.
The following types were imported for trial:—
Agarostis aristata Melinis minutiflora
Bromus catharticus Panicum maximum
Chewings fescue Perennial veldt grass
Chloris gayana Andropogon sorghum
Ehrararta longifolia Strawberry clover
Eragrostis curvala Japanese millet
Festuca arundinacea Saccaline
5 Lolium rigidum Wimmera rye grass

The introduction of new strains of Medicago sativa, (Lucerne) has been discontinued as it
has been proved from weight trials that imported varieties do not compare favourably with the
local variety which produces 6—8 tons per acre per cut and usually gives eight to nine cuts per
annum.
Of the new importations the only varieties that have shown promise from the point of
view of bulk fodder production and rapidity of growth are Panicum maximum, Chloris gayana,
Bromus catharticus and Andropogan sorghum.
Lolium rigidum and Melinus minutiflora failed to germinate, Chewings fescue and Agaros­
tis aristata were slow to germinate and proved to be completely unsuitable for the production
of bulk fodder, Strawberry Clover was slow to germinate, patchy and very backward.
Further bulk fodder experiments are now being carried out with various mixtures and it is
hoped that it will be possible to raise yields appreciably.