V

ice President Boediono has conceded that Indonesia is still vulnerable to food shortages because production barely meets the demand.

“Generally, food provision can offset the growth of population but the amount produced barely meets requirements,” Boediono said during the commemoration of World Food Day in Bone Bolango, Gorontalo, on Thursday.

The Vice President said that as the world’s fourth-largest country in terms of population, food security was essential to avoid vulnerability to food shortages.

“Without serious and systematic efforts in food production, the threat of food shortages will continue to haunt us,” he said as reported by Antara news agency.

He said surpluses in food provision must be pursued as part of national development in order to provide food security.

“God bestows us abundant resources for today and the future,” he said.

He said that by using precise technology the natural resources could yield food exceeding domestic needs and contribute to global supply.

“We are at the moment unable to utilize enough technology in food management so that food production is vulnerable to climate change. The key is how we can manage natural resources as productively as possible,” the Vice President said.

He expected synergy among the various stakeholders — government, individuals, private enterprise and farmers — in order to create food security.

He said World Food Day was a timely moment to raise awareness about the need for food security.

World Food Day is commemorated in 186 countries, members of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). FAO General Director James McGrane also attended the event.