KUALA LUMPUR: The concept of “food unity” should be adopted by Muslim countries to ensure a sustainable food system, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub said.
He said Malaysia was prepared to contribute and share its “prosperity” in terms of food security to Muslim countries, which is in line with the country’s Shared Prosperity Vision 2030 (SPV 2030).
“We should think globally and forward on how we can contribute our SPV 2030 to the world with regards to food security.
“We are ready to share that vision with all Muslim countries to ensure the sector (food security) is sustainable to meet the needs of the world,” he said.
Salahuddin said this at the second plenary session titled “Food Security” on the third day of the Kuala Lumpur Summit 2019 here.
He said there was a need to preserve the environment to ensure there was no shortage in food resources.
Salahuddin added that Malaysia should adopt Qatar’s way of preserving its food chain supply, as well as share that knowledge and resources with other countries.
“We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar to help us further build and strengthen the agriculture and food industry,” he said, adding that Malaysia should implement the skills and practices shown by countries, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Uzbekistan, in adopting organic farming practices.
Other speakers who also shared their respective country’s food security development information during the plenary session were Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Elyor Ganiev, Qatari Commerce and Industry Minister Ali Ahmed Al Kuwari, Fiqhi Council of Australia director (international affairs) Ezziddin Abu Sardaneh and Yesari Group chief executive officer Muhamed Ljevakovic.
Meanwhile, Muhamed urged Muslim countries to work together and share knowledge with one another to address problems related to global food security.
He urged experts to search for ideas and solutions, as well as present them to policymakers or governments to ensure their successful implementation.