FAO urges member countries to prioritize agriculture

Rome, Nov 21: The 34th session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has opened here with a call to member countries to prioritize agriculture and put the sector at the centre of development if the number of people facing hunger is to be reduced.

The FAO has also called for increased Official Development Assistance (ODA) to be given to developing countries in line with the Monterrey Declaration on Aid and the pledges by the Group of Eight (g8) of the most developed nations.

Addressing heads of states and governments and delegates here Monday, FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf stated that agriculture played a critical role in addressing the political and economic issues facing humanity in the 21st century.