Asia-Pacific Ministers Call for Stronger Food Security Measures Amid Global Uncertainty
Ministers from across the Asia-Pacific region have underscored the urgency of strengthening food security and agricultural resilience, as global disruptions continue to place pressure on supply chains and production systems.
The call was made during the 38th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Asia and the Pacific, where policymakers gathered to address the growing challenges facing food systems in an increasingly volatile global environment.
Mounting Global Pressures
The discussions come at a time when food systems are facing multiple external shocks. Rising input costs, particularly for energy and fertilisers, have increased production expenses across the region. At the same time, geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions continue to affect the stability of global supply chains.
Climate-related risks remain a persistent concern, with extreme weather events impacting agricultural output and threatening long-term sustainability. These combined pressures have heightened the need for coordinated responses at both national and regional levels.
A Regional Approach to Resilience
Participants at the conference emphasised that addressing food security challenges requires stronger regional cooperation. Countries were encouraged to work more closely to ensure stable food supplies, share resources, and adopt best practices that can improve resilience across agricultural systems.
Food and Agriculture Organization Director-General Qu Dongyu highlighted the importance of building internal capacity, noting that long-term solutions must be driven by regional collaboration and sustained policy commitment.
Sri Lanka’s Focus on Agricultural Transformation
Sri Lanka reiterated its commitment to strengthening its domestic agricultural sector as part of a broader strategy to improve food security.
K. D. Lalkantha outlined key priorities, including increasing local production, reducing dependency on imports, and improving farmer livelihoods. Efforts are also underway to modernise agricultural practices through digital integration, improved irrigation systems, and enhanced value chains.
The country is additionally exploring opportunities to develop export-oriented agriculture, positioning the sector as a contributor to both food security and economic growth.
Innovation and Investment as Key Drivers
A central theme of the conference was the role of innovation in transforming agricultural systems. Delegates highlighted the importance of adopting technology, improving access to financing, and supporting smallholder farmers to ensure inclusive growth.
Investment in agrifood systems was identified as a critical factor in building resilience, particularly in the face of climate change and shifting global demand patterns.
Outlook
The FAO conference reinforced the view that food security is now a strategic priority that extends beyond agriculture, intersecting with economic stability, trade, and national security.
For countries across the Asia-Pacific region, including Sri Lanka, the challenge lies in translating policy commitments into practical outcomes—ensuring that agricultural systems are not only productive, but also resilient and sustainable in the long term.