Call to prioritise food security

FOOD security in Papua New Guinea should be prioritised as the country faces environmental, social and economic challenges in the future, an agricultural official says.
Morobe agriculture and livestock programme adviser Ken Elonaga said the increase in consumption pressures from increased dependency load (school leavers, marijuana, homebrew) were threats.
“Climate change is also causing drought, flood and earthquake which are some of the threats to food security in the country,” he said.
“According to Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the world’s population is projected to grow around 8.3 billion by 2030 and this means it will lead to increased demand for food and also lead to increased competition for natural resources.
“Our objective now is to promote inclusive participation in sustainable food production systems for improving nutrition, social, financial and economic well-being of the people.”
Elonaga said it was everyone’s responsibility to achieve zero hunger by 2030 in Morobe and the country.
“This is possible through applying best practices towards creating and enabling environment for food security, financial security and job security.” He said the Government and stakeholders needed to consolidate their partnership to improve food security and that included increasing investment in agriculture.
“We need to promote inclusive participation of women, youths, and various actors in the food value chain.”