Some 210,000 sheep are to be imported into Bahrain from Australia in the coming weeks in preparation for the holy month of Ramadan and the Eid Al Fitr holiday.

The livestock will arrive along with 4,200 cows in stages between now and the first week of September.

It will take place as part of a Bahrain Livestock Company operation.

The livestock will be released into the market as part of efforts by Industry and Commerce Ministry Consumer Protection Directorate to ensure food stocks will be suitably prepared for Ramadan.

According to the directorate, the Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr period is the busiest time of the year in Bahrain for meat consumption.

The ministry will also distribute several awareness bulletins about the best ways to prepare and shop before and during the holy month.

Meanwhile, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro chaired a meeting with food traders to check the extent of the readiness of the markets ahead of Ramadan.

He praised the promotions and discounts available to consumers, which he said contributed significantly to revitalising the market and easing their burden.

Prices

Dr Fakhro called on consumers not to panic buy in huge quantities, which could negatively affect prices. He stressed prices were stable and among the most competitive in the Gulf.

Traders presented lists confirming the stability of commodity prices and the availability of up to eight months worth of essential stocks, such as rice.

Dr Fakhro praised the efforts made by the Bahrain Livestock Company, Delmon Poultry Company and Bahrain Flour Mills.

They confirmed they had taken all necessary measures to avoid shortages.

The Delmon Poultry Company will provide an average of around 27,000 fresh chickens daily in addition to 50,000 frozen chickens.

The Bahrain Livestock Company will offer 3,000 heads of sheep and 100 heads of cattle per day.

The Bahrain Flour Mills will provide the biggest share of Ramadan produce.

The available stock of wheat is 18,600 tons, enough for two and half months, and takes into account the increase in production during Ramadan.

A total of 30,000 tons of Australian wheat was bought to support the stock. – TradeArabia News Service