Page 390 - Bahrain Gov annual reports(V)_Neat

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The vegetable seedling scheme which was first introduced in 1955 has become increasingly
popular and although unsettled conditions in the Autumn prevented some of the growers from
obtaining seedlings many farmers took advantage of the fact that tested seedlings were available.

Stock and Dairying. Interest in Stock and Dairy Farming increased appreciably in 1956
and many enquiries were received with regard to the importation of pedigree stock.
Both the pedigree Red Sindhi and the local herd of cattle are being increased at Budeya.
Results so far have been very encouraging and it has been possible to keep the animals in good
condition throughout the year and also raise milk yields. Young pedigree bulls are being
‘‘brought on” as rapidly as possible and it is hoped that they will soon be available for up­
grading local stock.

Poultry. Tremendous interest has been shown by local farmers .in the European poultry
imported from the U.K.
Both the Rhode Island Red and Light Sussex chickens have done well under local cond­
itions and have proved to be exceptionally good layers.
A small electric incubator was imported from the U.K. towards the end of the year and
some hundreds of chickens were hatched out and sold to local breeders. Although fertility
has been relatively low it is hoped that with the importation of a larger incubator to increase the
supply of chicks for local breeders.
Experiments on crossing European breeds with local chickens have proved to be very
successful and it has been possible to produce an excellent type of bird which ‘‘feathers up” and
grows very rapidly and is exceptionally hardy.

Mechanization. Initial mechanization is still extremely popular with the local farmers.
Unfortunately due to lack of funds it has not been possible for the Department to purchase
another tractor and in consequence many farmers were disappointed as the Department was
not in a position to help them with initial mechanization.

Plant Protection. • The free plant protection service provided by the Department has
increased in popularity and numerous farmers took advantage of the fact that modern methods
of control help to save crops.
The importation of a Mobile Micron Sprayer which can be used for both “blast” and
“drift” spraying should help appreciably and it is hoped that more farmers will call on the
Department for advice on pest control.

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