THE Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) with other stakeholders has been embarking on promotion of local food production as stipulated in the Lokol Kaikai Framework.
The framework is a programme of action to address food and nutrition security, as well as livelihoods issues.
Agriculture and Livestock permanent secretary, Jimi Saelea highlighted this at the inaugural agriculture show on Tuesday.
He said locally produced foods must be given a high degree of importance in the local food industry, not only for health reasons but economics as well.
He added it is anticipated that all restaurants must include at least 10 percent locally produced food products in their menus.
“This would provide more market outlets for farmers as well as provide for a diverse consumer base.”
Mr Saelea said food security per se is not a major problem in this country since none or little evidence of starvation has been recorded.
He said the so-called hungry times which sometimes is a result of natural disasters in parts of the country do not normally last long.
“The people are resilient enough to get themselves out of those situations. The major problem is nutrition insecurity.”
He said this is where the agencies responsible such as health, agriculture, commerce and others have to link up and collaborate to counter this threat.
By TRIXIE CARTER
