(16-10-23) GAROWE — Officials in Somalia’s federal member Puntland commemorated World Food Day on Monday with an exhibition in the capital city, Garowe, to highlight the region’s diverse agricultural output and call for increased self-sufficiency in food production amid global shortages.
Ahmed Shire, Puntland’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, underscored the urgency of the situation. “Given the ongoing global shortages, today’s event gains even more significance. Our main objective is to make Puntland self-reliant when it comes to food, and we are tirelessly working towards that,” said Shire.
The exhibition, which attracted a sizeable crowd, showcased an array of Puntland’s agricultural offerings — from grains and fruits to an assortment of vegetables. The event also cast a spotlight on the region’s other natural assets, such as fisheries and livestock, emphasising the state’s multifaceted food production capabilities.
Women’s Minister Naima Guled touched upon the health ramifications of imported foods, which she argued, contribute to a spike in diseases including cancer. “We have to seriously consider the implications of the food we consume. A shift towards natural, locally-produced food is not merely a preference; it’s a necessity for our collective well-being,” Guled asserted.
Dr. Rashid Mohamed Yusuf, Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, echoed this sentiment, elaborating on the government’s efforts to diversify food sources. “Puntland’s long coastline presents an untapped opportunity. Government programmes are underway to facilitate marine-based food production,” he stated.
The event concluded with a sense of collective resolve among officials, reinforcing the need for a multi-pronged and sustainable approach to achieving food security in Puntland.
Halqabsi News
