"Food scarcity can result in an increase in social disturbances and security threats," Boediono said in remarks at the opening of the 13th National Farmer-Fishermen`s Week here on Friday.
He said agriculture in Indonesia and the world was now facing its greatest-ever challenge, namely the threat of food scarcities. Therefore, he said, national farmers must work with the aim of increasing food production.
Rising food prices had also become another challenge to the world community, in addition to uncertainties about availability and supplies.
To avoid the problems, Indonesia must make sure it can always meet its need for various types of food such as corn, bananas, cassava, and other edible tubers.
If food supply meets the national market`s demand, the nation can be certain that domestic food prices will be stabilized, something that will also have a positive impact on the state`s economic conditions.
Indonesia`s food production must be increased continuously and therefore synergy was needed between the government, private sector, agriculture observers, the farmers and fishermen`s communities. They should all be involved in the production line.
"We must be grateful that God has given us vast natural resources to be used as agricultural areas, and it all must also be used properly," he said.
If the natural resources can be managed well, then it can increase agricultural productivity, so that Indonesia can be free from the global food crisis threat.
Furthermore, in order to increase food production, the government must continue fulfill the availability of agricultural facilities and infrastructures such the sufficiency of fertilizer, seeds and other facilities needed.
(*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
