Agriculture In Bahrain Industry: Market Size & Forecast 2026

Bahrain's agricultural sector contributed approximately 12 million BHD in gross value added during the fourth quarter of 2025, up from 10.92 million BHD in the prior quarter, reflecting the market's steady expansion trajectory. The sector comprises crop and animal production, forestry, and fishing, with the country relying on a combination of domestic production and food import-reexport activities. Agriculture value added in Bahrain was recorded at approximately $108.6 million in current US dollars as of 2020, with the market projected to grow by roughly $14 million between 2023 and 2028.

Government support through Bahrain's Tamkeen program has been instrumental in driving agricultural expansion, with targeted funding and training programs supporting modernization of farming practices. The country's food security strategy prioritizes increasing domestic production of staples such as dairy, poultry, dates, and vegetables to reduce reliance on imports. Investments in hydroponics, vertical farming, and protected agriculture techniques enable efficient use of limited water resources and arable land in Bahrain's arid climate.

The market is segmented by commodity type across food crops (including dates, vegetables, and grains), animal products (dairy and poultry), seafood and aquaculture, and forestry products. Dates remain a culturally significant and economically important crop, while dairy and poultry sectors are major contributors to agricultural GDP. Bahrain's position within the Gulf Cooperation Council trade bloc facilitates cross-border agricultural trade and positions the country as a distribution hub for food products across the Middle East and North Africa region.

What are the recent trends and outlook?

The market is expected to maintain its 4.7% growth trajectory through 2031, supported by continued government funding, private sector participation, and technological adoption in farming practices. Agritech adoption, including soilless cultivation systems, is expanding as operators seek to maximize yields from limited land and water resources. Bahrain's Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda further supports agricultural sector development, with planned investments in sustainable farming, aquaculture, and agri-food processing facilities aimed at strengthening national food resilience.