"Therefore, the government must be able to anticipate such things."Palangkaraya (ANTARA News) - Food shortage has been one of the main problems facing the global community, which has not been solved yet because of several reasons, according to Vice President Boediono.
"Almost 1 billion people in the world have to deal with food shortages and famine, particularly those who live in developing countries and war-ravaged countries," he said here on Thursday.
"I think political and security issues are the main cause of food shortages, because people affected by these issues find it difficult to get jobs in order to make a living," Boediono stated.
"The second most important reason behind food shortages seems to be faulty agricultural policies. Many countries with such policies are unable to provide enough food for their peoples, despite having sufficient farmland," he pointed out.
"Wrong agricultural policies are reflected in inadequate agricultural infrastructure, absence of proper agricultural research institutions, as well as lack of incentives for farmers," Boediono continued.
However, he said, natural disasters were potentially the biggest threat to global food security.
"For instance, as seen recently, climate change can cause extreme weather conditions and environmental damage in many parts of the world. Such conditions can hinder food production and lead to food shortages or even famine," Boediono explained.
"Therefore, the government must be able to anticipate such things," he added.
Boediono expressed concern that Indonesia was still vulnerable to food shortages because of its heavy dependence on imported food products.
"We must be prepared and remain alert, because if global food production takes a hit and the trade flows are disrupted, we might face food shortages or even famine," he said.
(U.Y012/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
