|
According to UN food agency, the growing nations require $83 billion investment every year in order to supply food to the expected population of 9.1 billion by 2050.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) informed, "Required investments include crops and livestock production as well as downstream support services such as cold chains, storage facilities, market facilities and first-stage processing".
It reported that according to planned investment by 2050 about $20 billion is needed for crops production and $13 billion for livestock production.
It was added that "Mechanisation would account for the single biggest investment area followed by expansion and improvement of irrigation" and "A further $50 billion would be needed for downstream services to help achieve a global 70 per cent expansion in agricultural production by 2050."
The report revealed that maximum investment in areas including primary agriculture and downstream services "will come from private investors, including farmers purchasing implements and machinery and businesses investing in processing facilities".
However, for effective operation of agricultural system and food security, public funds are also required.
"Priority areas for such public investments include: 1) agricultural research and development; 2) large-scale infrastructure such as roads, ports and power, agricultural institutions and extension services; 3) education,particularly of women, sanitation, clean water supply and healthcare." Business Standard
October 8, 2009
|
