FAO marks 60 years of fighting hunger

Islam Times: The ceremony was held on the theme of Food Prices - From Crisis to Stability, focusing on the global food price volatility and how to reduce its impact on almost a billion people who do not have enough to eat.

The participating officials all agree on the fact that enough crops can be grown to provide the whole planet and that food insecurity persists due to a number of factors such as high and volatile prices.

High prices not only increase but also deepen poverty and food insecurity, said FAO Director General Jacques Diouf.

The UN food agency stressed that if world hunger is to be seriously considered, greater attempts must be made to deal with food price fluctuations. It also stated that food market stability depends on larger investments in agriculture.

Expanding investment is fundamental in developing nations where 98 percent of the world's hungry live.

FAO also said that food production in these countries should be doubled to feed growing populations.