October 2, 2014

Help fight hunger and malnutrition, EU agri ministers urged

Food insecurity and conflict go hand in hand, the director-general of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization pointed out recently to agriculture ministers of member countries belonging to the European Union to stress their role in fighting hunger and malnutrition in developing countries.

José Graziano da Silva told an informal meeting of the ministers in Milan that ensuring sustainable farming at a global level can help stem migration flows and prevent conflicts.

"Illegal border crossings are an issue of concern in Europe and other parts of the world. It is our common responsibility to help build alternatives. Sustainable agricultural and rural development in the countries of origin needs to be one of them," Da Silva said.

Da Silva said that over two billion people suffer from undernourishment, micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger, which can manifest as obesity.

Agriculture is a critical part of efforts to improve malnutrition, he said, as he urged the EU ministers to take concerted action against malnutrition, which is hugely the consequence of hunger.