KOTA SAMARAHAN: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has called on the global community to look into the importance of food security in light of the global population boost.
Food security, Najib stressed, is also one of the many critical issues that needed to be addressed apart from terrorism, extremism and climate change.
He cited a report prepared by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation which stated that the world population will increase to 9.6 billion and that the staggering figures demand greater food production.
"The same report cited that 800 million people around the world are going to bed hungry.
"Hence, efforts to boost food production around the world must be intensified by 60 per cent from the present figures to ensure that no one will live in hunger.
"This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed on the world level," said Najib in his speech during the launch of this year's national-level Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen's Day celebration.
Present were Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, Sarawak Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem and other ministers from the Federal and state level.
Also present were Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob and his counterpart from Perlis, Datuk Seri Azlan Man.
At the event, Najib also paid tribute to farmers, breeders and fishermen around the country for their role in empowering the nation's agriculture and agro-based industry.
He also described the three main stakeholders in the agriculture and agro-based sectors as the heroes of the country.
"They (farmers, breeders and fishermen) play a significant role in ensuring there is amply food supply in the country.
"I have to agree with the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister (Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek) who described farmers, breeders and fishermen as the heroes of the nation.
"They are close to my heart and the government will spare no effort to develop the agriculture and agro-based industry," said Najib to resounding applause and cheers from the 10,000 crowd attending the event.
In conjunction with the theme of this year's celebration, which is "Agro Technology Catalyst to Transformation", the prime minister urged stakeholders in the agriculture and agro-based industry to adopt a change of mindset by using technology to boost their production.
He also announced the construction of a RM250 million fisheries complex in Bako and a RM21 million fish landing port in Beladin.
"The government is committed to our rural development agenda and will continue introducing initiatives to improve the lot of the rural folk."