By Abdul Muin Abdul Majid, NNN-Bernama,
Kuwait : Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called on Islamic countries to pay attention to agriculture and food production in efforts to address the current food crisis affecting their peoples.
He told the concluding session of the Fourth World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF) here Thursday that they must try to get the participation of big companies or investors in large-scale agricultural activity and food production.
According to him, many of the countries were blessed with fertile land, financial resources as well other strengths that could be used to promote such activities.
“We’re undertaking this effort in Malaysia where the agricultural sector not only contributes to the country’s economic growth but also helps people’s livelihoods,” said Abdullah, who is also WIEF patron.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned that rising prices have triggered a food crisis in more than 30 countries, all of which will need extra help and the World Bank has pointed out that global food prices have risen by 75 per cent since 2000. The cost of staples such as rice and soya bean have hit record highs.
Abdullah said that without the involvement of big investors, it would be rather difficult for Muslim countries to respond to the crisis.
Nevertheless, the Malaysian leader said, Muslim governments should persevere in meeting the challenges in aiding their people.