iGA Signs MoU with NSSA and NIAD to Launch Comprehensive Agricultural Database
10 Nov 2021
The Information & eGovernment Authority (iGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Space Science Agency (NSSA) and the National Initiative for Agricultural Development (NIAD) for the creation of a national database for the agriculture sector in Kingdom of Bahrain. Held at iGA headquarters in Isa Town, the signing was attended by iGA Chief Executive, Mohammed Ali Al Qaed; NSSA CEO, Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al-Aseeri; and NIAD Secretary-General Shaikha Maram bint Isa Al Khalifa in presence of the project team and other senior officials.
In line with the three entities’ efforts to develop the sector, the project will enhance cooperation by streamlining the exchange of data, studies, and experience. The database will be accessible to public and private organizations, promoting optimal use of agriculture resources in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
Al Qaed said that the agreement will deploy advanced technologies in the governance of spatial data, in line with the iGA’s commitment to enhancing public sector performance. It enhances cooperation as per the 2019-2022 Government Action Plan and provides an environment that supports sustainable development and stimulates knowledge-based economic growth.
He added that iGA continues to help the agricultural sector grow by providing technologies that support Big Data storage and analysis, with an aim to maintaining growth in the face of economic challenges, in line with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030. Al Qaed highlighted the cooperation between the three entities, which contributes to the development of the agricultural sector and encouraging investment through the provision of accurate and current data.
Dr. Al-Aseeri said: “This MoU is in line with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, which were delivered during the Parliament’s fourth session of the fifth legislative term. His Majesty the King encouraged the sharing of new ideas for economic growth that support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in industry and futuristic sciences. “This agreement is the foundation of an important national project that directly caters to the agricultural sector, linking it to other national initiatives, and providing valuable information to investors and decision makers. The speech delivered by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifaat the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, and his participation in Middle East green initiatives reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental causes, including initiatives directly linked to agriculture. We are pleased to be signing this agreement today, following time and effort spent coordinating between the relevant entities to ensure that it meets the objectives of all involved. Our thanks and appreciation to all who have made it possible.”
Shaikha Maram added: “The MoU we signed today with the iGA and NSSA enhances the exchange of agricultural and environmental data in the service of the sector. It is in line with His Majesty the King’s reforms, which aim to achieve Bahrain’s economic, social, and environmental objectives, and is an important addition to current initiatives, enhancing eGovernment services through the documentation and provision of data and key statistics required for international agricultural and environmental reports.”
Shaikha Maram said that the agreement is expected to open new horizons for joint cooperation which will help the sector benefit from the availability of data.