10.07.2008, 09:52 2459

Three UN system establishments called upon G8 leaders to increase investments into agriculture

Three establishments of the UN system called upon G8 leaders to increase investments for development of agriculture that will promote resolution of food crisis and reduction of number of starving on the planet, the agency reports referring to the UN News Center.

Almaty. July 10. Kazakhstan Today - Three establishments of the UN system called upon G8 leaders to increase investments for development of agriculture that will promote resolution of food crisis and reduction of number of starving on the planet, the agency reports referring to the UN News Center.

Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO), World Food Program (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) declared that population on the planet can double by the middle of this century and, accordingly, demand for food stuffs will increase by half. We need "green revolution".

They have emphasized, that one of the main causes of food crisis in the world is reduction of international financing of the sphere of agriculture over the last three decades.

Volume of official international help to agriculture has decreased from about $8 billion in 1984 to $3.4 billion in 2004. As of 2004, it made only 4 % of total amount of official aid. Today total amount of this help directed at development of agriculture in Africa makes nearly $1.2 billion that is at the level of 1975. Some donors have completely stopped allocating resources for development of this sector.

The statement of G8 leaders of states and governments expresses hope that "green revolution" will result not only in increase of labor productivity, but will also promote maintenance of ecological stability. The chairmen of FAO, IFAD and WFP stated that "agriculture's tomorrow will begin today."

They expressed hope that due to increase of prices of foodstuffs agriculture will become attractive to private investors. The chairmen of UN establishments added that state support will play a crucial role in development of this sphere.

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